Presently they started off and made a long day’s journey, and were yet upon the road when night came on.  Threatening clouds soon gave place to a heavy rain, and the party took refuge for the night in a roadside inn, where they found a mighty fire blazing upon the hearth, and savory smells coming from iron pots.

Furnished with slippers and dry garments, and overpowered by the warmth and comfort of the room and the fatigue they had undergone, Nelly and the old man had not long taken seats in the warm chimney-corner when they fell asleep.

“Who are they?” whispered the landlord.

Short and Codlin shook their heads.  “They’re no harm,” said Short.  “Depend upon that I tell you what—­it’s plain that the old man aren’t in his right mind—­I believe that he’s given his friends the slip and persuaded this delicate young creature, all along of her fondness for him, to be his guide and travelling companion—­where to, he knows no more than the man in the moon.  Now I’m not a-goin’ to stand that.  I’m not a-goin’ to see this fair young child a-falling into bad hands, and getting among people that she’s no more fit for, than they are to get among angels as their ordinary chums.  Therefore when they dewelop an intention of parting company from us, I shall take measures for detainin’ of ’em and restoring them to their friends, who, I dare say, have had their disconsolation pasted up on every wall in London by this time.

“Short,” said Mr. Codlin, “it’s possible there may be uncommon good sense in what you’ve said.  If there is, and there should be a reward, Short, remember that we are partners in everything!”

His companion had only time to nod a brief assent to this proposition, for the child awoke at the instant, as strange footsteps were heard without, and fresh company entered.

These were no other than four very dismal dogs, who came pattering in, headed by an old bandy dog, who erected himself upon his hind legs, and looked around at his companions, who immediately stood upon their hind legs in a grave and melancholy row.  These dogs each wore a kind of little coat of some gaudy color, trimmed with tarnished spangles, and one of them had a cap upon his head, tied under his chin, which had fallen down upon his nose, and completely obscured one eye.  Add to this, that the gaudy coats were all wet through with rain, and that the wearers were all splashed and dirty, and some idea may be formed of the unusual appearance of the new visitors to the inn.  Jerry, the manager of these dancing dogs, disencumbering himself of a barrel-organ, and retaining in his hand a small whip, came up to the fire and entered into conversation.  The landlord then busied himself in laying the cloth for supper, which, being at length ready to serve, little Nell ventured to say grace, and supper began.

At this juncture the poor dogs were standing upon their hind legs quite surprisingly.  The child, having pity on them, was about to cast some morsels of food to them before she tasted it herself, hungry though she was, when their master interposed.