v1] THE RED BARON. 281

this gentleman’s stories, some of which were of a very
interesting and exciting character, and became at last
fired with an earnest desire to travel and see for himself
all the wonderful things of which he heard. There was
little difficulty about his doing so, inasmuch as he had
no person to control and no business to hinder him, and
it soon became evident to his friends that he had quite
made up his own mind upon the subject. He was
perfectly resolved to travel in search of adventures ;
and as no one had any interest in attempting
to dissuade him from the undertaking, he found it
easy to make his arrangements, and was prepared to
start almost before he had made up his mind where
to go to. Upon one point, however, he was firmly
resolved, namely, that he would travel alone, without
servant or equipage, being of opinion that in this
manner he should enjoy himself more, and should
be more likely to encounter the adventures which he
desired. Accordingly, having packed such things as
he considered absolutely essential into a knapsack, he
slung the latter across his shoulders, and set out upon
his journey with courage in his heart, a stout oaken
staff in his hand, and a green ‘wideawake’ on his
head.

For many miles our traveller pursued his way
without the occurrence of any incident worthy of
notice: sometimes the weather was bright and fine,
which had a palpable effect upon his spirits, and caused
him to step forward upon his journey with light and
elastic steps ; sometimes it rained, which generally had
the effect of damping his ardour as well as his clothes,
and suggesting the idea that he had much better have