THE OLD CITY.
“Is this the way to the inn?” he asked.
The old one hobbled on. He followed her.
“Is this the way to the inn? I wish to remain there until to-morrow.”
The cripple turned on her crutch.
“To-morrow!” she said. “Who are you that talk of to-morrow? All the gold of the mountains could not buy a to-morrow. Go back to your own, young man! they may have to-morrows; but my time is short,—I must hurry on.”
Away hobbled the dame; and Lek, wondering at her answer, entered what seemed to him the principal street.
He came at length to the inn; a faded structure, and antique, like a picture of the times of old. There men were drinking and talking; men in gold lace, and with long purses filled with ancient coin.
The landlord was evidently a rich old fellow; he had a girdle of jewels, and was otherwise habited much like a king.