"Softly, softly, young sir. Be not rash, and let me recommend that you be more choice in the adoption of your epithets. Impertinent is an ugly word between gentlemen of our habit. Touching my right to ask this or that question of young men who lose the way, that's neither here nor there, and is important in no way. But, I take it, I should have some right in this matter, seeing, young sir, that you are upon the turnpike and I am the gate-keeper who must take the toll." A sarcastic smile passed over the lips of the man as he uttered the sentence, which was as suddenly succeeded, however, by an expression of gravity, partaking of an air of the profoundest business. The traveller surveyed him for a moment before he replied, as if to ascertain in what point of view properly to understand his conduct. "Turnpike! this is something new. I never heard of a turnpike and a gate for toll, in a part of the world in which men, or honest ones at least, are not yet commonly to be found. You think rather too lightly, my good sir, of my claim to that most vulgar commodity called common sense, if you suppose me likely to swallow this silly story." "Oh, doubtless--you are a very sagacious young man, I make no question," said the other, with a sneer--"but you'll have to pay the turnpike for all that." "You speak confidently on this point; but, if I am to pay this turnpike, at least, I may be permitted to know who is its proprietor." "To be sure you may. I am always well pleased to satisfy the doubts and curiosity of young travellers who go abroad for information. I take you to be one of this class." "Confine yourself, if you please, to the matter in hand--I grow weary of this chat," said the youth with a haughty inclination, that seemed to have its effect even upon him with whom he spoke. "Your question is quickly answered. You have heard of the Pony Club--have you not?" "I must confess my utter ignorance of such an institution. I have never heard even the name before."