ARTHUR
8

I woke up at dawn and without asking for blessing or farewell, stepped onto the highway leading to the city. I left nothing behind, a loss I regret. I have bought most of my own books and of course the numbers are small. I left them, without aversion, to the fate that I knew they were protected - to provide food and shelter for rats.

I tread this unusual path with all the courage of youth. Despite the motives of despair and fear that occurred to my circumstances, my heels were light and my heart was joyful. "Now," I said, "I am set to be human. I had to build a name and wealth for myself. It is strange that this intelligence and hand did not give me an honest living. I will try the city from the beginning; but, if it fails, the resources are still left for me. I will continue my duties in the cornfields and threshing floors, which I can always access, and where I will always be happy."

I had continued a few miles on my way, when I began to feel hunger pangs. I might stop at any farmhouse, and have breakfast at no cost. It is wise for the husband, with great care, to lean my stock; but I feel reluctant to beg as long as I have the means to buy, I am reluctant to beg, and I imagine that a rough loaf of bread and a little milk will be cheap even in a tavern, when there are farmers who want to give it away for free. My resolution was further influenced by the appearance of a signpost. What reasons can I make to ask for breakfast with lodging in hand and silver in my pocket?

I stopped, accordingly, and had breakfast. The landlord was very attentive and obedient, but the bread was stale, the milk was sour, and the cheese was the greenest imaginable. I was reluctant to animate this flaw, of course if his house could not have provided better.

After I finished eating, I put, without speaking, one of my pieces into his hand. This behavior I consider to be very becoming, and to show a liberal and manly spirit. I have always regarded with disdain the careful bargain-maker. He received the money with respect. "Yes," he said. " Money only, sir. You're on foot, sir. Nice trip, sir. Have a good day, sir." After saying that, he left.

This procession was completely unexpected. I imagine myself entitled to at least three-quarters of that in change. The first impulse was to call him back, and oppose the equality of his requests; but a momentary reflection showed me the absurdity of such behavior. I continued my journey with a somewhat depressed spirit. I have heard about the wanderers and wanderers in the desert, who are willing to give a jewel box for a cup of cold water. I did not think my own condition was, in any case, similar; yet I had just given one third of my possessions for breakfast.

I stopped at noon at another inn. I relied on buying dinner for the same price, because I intended to satisfy myself for the same price. A big company just sat at a smoking party. The landlord invited me to join them. I took my place at the table, but it was equipped with bread and milk. Preparing to leave, I took him to the side. "What to pay?"

"of course. I drink the milk provided."

"But what kind of drink, sir?"

"No."

He considered for a moment, and then, assuming the atmosphere was not interested, "'It's our habit to charge dinner and clubs; but, since you don't drink anything, we'll let the club go. Dinner's only half a dollar, sir. "

He had no time to pay attention to my fluctuations. After arguing with myself about what to do, I concluded that obedience was best, and, leaving money at the bar, continued my journey.