"
At this moment there passed a boy, to whom I said, "Which is the way
to London, if you please?" for there were four roads to choose from.
"What d' say?" said the boy.
I repeated my question.
"Dunno," he replied, trying to cram half his hand into his mouth. The
captain would have thought him very stupid if he had met him as a
native in one of the islands of the Pacific, I am sure; but I followed
him, and begged him to try and think if he had not heard of people
going to London.
At last his face brightened. He was looking over my head down the
lane. "There's a man a-cummin yonder's always a-going to Lunnon," said
he. Visions of a companion on our tramp--also perhaps in search of
adventures--made me look briskly round. "Him with the pipe, as b'longs
to the barge," the boy exclaimed.
It was indeed Mr. Rowe come to look for us, and we had to try and seem
glad to see him, and to go on board once more.
Towards evening the canal banks became dotted with fishers of all ages
and degrees, fishing very patiently, though they did not seem to catch
much.
Soon after dark we reached the town of Pyebridge.
When the barge lay-to for the night, and the driver was taking the
horse away to the stable, Mr.
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