Moodie, who was now in command, hesitated for a moment whether he should exercise it by clearing the inn for the sleeping accommodation of himself and friends, but, on turning the matter over in his mind, the interior looked so dirty and stuffy, and was withal so redolent of tobacco, brandy, and aniseed, while the exterior was so fresh and green, and the moon was shining down so softly, and the air was so still, and the camp fires so bright and inviting, that, with universal consent and approbation, he adjourned the divisional head-quarters to a spreading fir-tree, whose branches were illuminated by a fire worthy of a General; while the provident Jacob, who had tilted the carioles on end, to form a sort of screen, spread out before them the contents of his ambulatory larder.
This was soon discussed, and then a quiet pipe, a moderate horn of brandy and water, a hopeful good night, a roll in their cloaks, and before their heads were well on their knapsacks, the whole four were in the fairy land of sleep and forgetfulness.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SKAL.
“When shaws beene sheene and shrads full fayre,
And leaves both large and long,
’Tis merry walking in the fayre forest,
To hear the small birde’s song.”
Robin Hood.
“These mounds I yet may clamber,