One day, when WUl was about sixteen, a fat young
man arrived at sunset to pass the night. He was a con-
tented-looking fellow, with a jolly eye, and carried a
knapsack. While dinner was preparing, he sat in the
arbour to read a book ; but as soon as he had begun to
observe Will, the book was laid aside ; he was plainly
one of those who prefer living people to people made of
ink and paper. Will, on his part, although he had
not been much interested in the stranger at first sight,
soon began to take a great deal of pleasure in his talk,
which was full of good nature and good sense, and at
last conceived a great respect for his character and wis-
dom. , They sat far into the night ; and about two in
the morning Will opened his heart to the young man,
and told him how he longed to leave the valley §nd
what bright hopes he had connected with the cities of
the plain. The young man whistled, and then broke
into a smile.
