2. "Very likely it will snow," said I, giving a glance at the dark heavy clouds, and stopping to listen for a moment to the moaning wind.
3. "And in that case the sooner I start the better, for I have a long distance to go, and the light will fail early, in such weather as this."
4. The landlord turned and looked at me, as I began putting on my great-coat. "Do you think that it is wise of you to venture across the moor2, when it is likely to be so stormy?" said he.[Pg 30]
5. "It is a rough road at the best of times, but on a bleak3 night with snow there is real danger. The trap will take you over in no time when it comes in, or as soon as it is light in the morning."
6. "My friend," said I, "do not think of such a thing. I would not be away from home to-morrow for all the world. It is the birthday of my only little girl, and she would think the day quite spoilt if her father were not there.
7. "I shall step out briskly, and be at home long before dark. It is not three o'clock yet," I added, pulling out my watch.
"Well, I wish you a safe journey, sir," said the landlord. "And also, many happy returns of to-morrow."
8. "Thank you, landlord," replied I, in the same hearty4 tone. I shook hands with him, for his face was a beaming and kindly5 one, and I had known him since I was a boy.
9. As I went towards the outer door, the landlord just behind me, his man darted6 forward from a dark corner, and began to bustle7 out in front of me.[Pg 31]
10. "Get out, you brute8!" he said, in an angry voice, as he made a savage9
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