Probably if the depths of
that pool were searched relics of the crocodile and the beaver might be
found, along with other strange things connected with the periods in
which they respectively lived. Happy were I if for a brief space I could
become a Cingalese that I might swim out far into that pool, dive down
into its deepest part and endeavour to discover any strange things which
beneath its surface may lie.' Much in this guise rolled my thoughts as I
lay stretched on the margin of the lake.
* * * * *
'Pray, gentleman, walk in!' said the miller; 'we are going to have our
afternoon's meal, and shall be rejoiced if you will join us.'
'Yes, do, gentleman,' said the miller's wife, for such the good woman
was; 'and many a welcome shall you have.'
I hesitated, and was about to excuse myself.
'Don't refuse, gentleman!' said both, 'surely you are not too proud to
sit down with us?'
'I am afraid I shall only cause you trouble,' said I.
'Dim blinder, no trouble,' exclaimed both at once; 'pray do walk in!'
I entered the house, and the kitchen, parlour, or whatever it was, a nice
little room with a slate floor. They made me sit down at a table by the
window, which was already laid for a meal. There was a clean cloth upon
it, a tea-pot, cups and saucers, a large plate of bread-and-butter, and a
plate, on which were a few very thin slices of brown, watery cheese.
My good friends took their seats, the wife poured out tea for the
stranger and her husband, helped us both to bread-and-butter and the
watery cheese, then took care of herself.
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