It was not until he had walked up and down the long street for at least the tenth time that he came to any resolution: at last he slapped his buckskins, as much as to say _I have it_, and walking on a little farther, he looked at the clock which was in the coach-office, crossed the street, and went over to the hotel, which was directly opposite. But I must now describe the appearance and dress of the person in question. He was a man of about thirty-five years of age, of handsome exterior, tall, and well made; he wore powder, a white cravat, a blue coat, very short figured waistcoat, and the articles in question, to wit, a pair of buckskin inexpressibles, to which must be added a pair of white top-boots. He had also a surtout-coat, of fine cloth, over all, but which was unbuttoned when he entered the hotel. In short, he appeared to be a dandied, rakish sort of gentleman of the time, with a look and manner implying that he had plenty of money to spend, and did not care a fig for anybody. No one could have ever imagined, with such an external appearance, that he had no more than one guinea in his pocket. Our gentleman walked into the coffee-room of the hotel, and took his seat in one of the boxes, with an air of pretension. In an authoritative tone he called the waiter, and when the waiter came, he called for the bill of fare, which was humbly presented. Our gentleman ran down its contents. "I'll have a bit of fish, waiter,--which do you recommend to day?" "All good, sir; but cod and oyster-sauce just in season." "Well, then, let it be so, with a broiled chicken and mushrooms. If I recollect right, you had some good wine here once?" "Yes, sir--we have the same bin now--the port you mean, sir?" "Yes, the port; tell Mr.---- I forget the landlord's name." "Mr. Bansom." "Very true;--tell Bansom to let me have a bottle of his best, and a pint of good madeira for dinner." "Yes, sir. When will you have your dinner?" "As soon as it can be got ready. In the mean time get me a newspaper." In due time the dinner made its appearance, and ample justice was done to it by our gentleman. After the cloth was removed, the port wine was produced, and this he appeared determined to enjoy, as he remained at table sipping it until every other person who had been in the coffee-room had quitted it, and he was left alone. He then poured out the last glass, rang the bell, and demanded his bill. It was all ready:-- £ _s._ _d._ Fish 0 2 6 Fowl and mushrooms 0 5 6 Madeira 0 4 0 Port 0 7 0 ------------- Total, including extras 1 4 6