AN IMPORTANT ERA. 95

the whip, and away we sped like lightning. The bells,
the bracing air, the winter beauties of the scene, dazzled
and excited me; and, to drown reflection, I strove to
become the merriest of the three. Tom drove; and
he drove, scarcely knowing whither. On,—on,—on
we went, until the spires of a town, ten miles distant,
were in sight. .

“We must have supper here,” exclaimed Tom.

“Oh, no! do let us go back!” said I,“ We shall
be-so late,—ten miles to return!” and I wished myself .
anywhere but there. The sun was declining, and the
chills of evening came rapidly on.

“A supper!” with a profane oath, exclaimed our
companion. Tom drew up to a tavern doot.

“I say, let us go back. Mr. Simpson will expect: us
back to supper.” And alas! there was no moriey in
my pocket to buy one elsewhere.

My companions rushed into the house, and planted
themselves at the bar. “Gin?” cried Tom.

“No: brandy and water !—I take brandy!” voci-
ferated the other.