about five in the evening
Whilst quaffing our beverage , he gave me an account of the various mortifications to which he had of late been subject , dwelling with particular bitterness on the conduct of Hunter , who , he said , came every night and mouthed him , and afterwards went away without paying for what he had drank or smoked , in which conduct he was closely imitated by a clan of fellows who constantly attended him . After spending several hours at the public-house I departed , not forgetting to pay for the two bottles of ale . The landlord , before I went , shaking me by the hand , declared that he had now made up his mind to stick to his religion at all hazards , the more especially as he was convinced he should derive no good by giving it up . It might be about five in the evening when I reached the gypsy encampment . Here I found Mr. Petulengro , Tawno Chikno , Sylvester , and others , in a great bustle , clipping and trimming certain ponies and old horses which they had brought with them . On inquiring of Jasper the reason of their being so engaged , he informed me that they were getting the horses ready for a fair , which was to be held on the morrow , at a place some miles distant , at which they should endeavour to dispose of them , adding -- `` Perhaps , brother , you will go with us , provided you have nothing better to do ? '' Not having any particular engagement , I assured him that I should have great pleasure in being of the party .