Some of them were fairly presentable; and they were all Christian martyrs compared to Rowley; but they were in a frolicsome and rollicking humour that promised danger as we approached the town. They sang songs, they ran races, they fenced with their walking- sticks and umbrellas; and, in spite of this violent exercise, the fun grew only the more extravagant with the miles they traversed. Their drunkenness was deep-seated and permanent, like fire in a peat; or rather--to be quite just to them--it was not so much to be called drunkenness at all, as the effect of youth and high spirits- -a fine night, and the night young, a good road under foot, and the world before you!
I had left them once somewhat unceremoniously; I could not attempt it a second time; and, burthened as I was with Mr. Rowl
