“It would be of no use directing you, sir,” said he, “for with all the directions in the world it would be impossible for you to find the way. You would not have left these premises five minutes before you would be in a maze without knowing which way to turn. Where do you come from?”
“From Machynlleth,” I replied.
“From Machynlleth!” said he. “Well, I only wonder you ever got here, but it would be madness to go farther alone.”
“Well,” said I, “can I obtain a guide?”
“I really don’t know,” said he; “I am afraid all the men are engaged.”
As we were speaking a young man made his appearance at the door from the interior of the house. He was dressed in a brown short coat, had a glazed hat on his head, and had a pale but very intelligent countenance.
“What is the matter?” said he to the other man.
“This gentleman,” replied the latter, “is going to Pont Erwyd, and wants a guide.”
“Well,” said the young man, “we must find him one. It will never do to let him go by himself.”
“If you can find me a guide,” said I, “I shall be happy to pay him for his trouble.”