every thing he did.  I believe, whoever looks back upon himself at that age, will be convinced by the retrospect, that there was nothing wonderful in Natura’s imagining he had now discretion enough to regulate his conduct, without being under the controul of any person whatever; and could not, for that reason, be much afflicted at being eased of a subordination not at all agreeable to his humour, and which he thought he had not the least occasion for.

The baron d’ Eyrac had often invited him to pass some days with him, at a fine villa he had about some ten leagues from Paris; but his governor not having approved that visit, he had hitherto declined it.—­He now, however, took it into his head to go, and as the distance was so short, went on horseback, attended by his footman, with a portmanteau containing some linnen and cloaths, his intention being to remain there while the baron stayed, which, as he was informed, would be three weeks, or a month;—­it being then the season for hunting, and that part of the country well suited for the diversion.

He had been on a party of pleasure a considerable way on this road before, so thought he had no occasion for a guide, and that he should easily be directed to the house; but it so happened that being got about twenty miles from Paris he missed his route, and took one the direct contrary, and which at last brought him to the entrance of a very thick wood:—­there was not the least appearance of any human creature, nor the habitation of one, and he was beginning to consult with his servant whether to go back, or proceed till they should arrive at some town or village for refreshment, when all at once there fell the most terrible shower of hail and rain, accompanied with thunder, that ever was heard;—­this determined them to go into the wood for shelter:—­the storm continued till night, and it was then so dark, that they could distinguish nothing:—­they wandered, however, leading their horses in their hands, for it was impossible to ride, hoping to find some path, by which they might extricate themselves out of that horrid labyrinth.

Some hours were passed in this perplexed situation, and Natura expected no better than to remain there till morning, when he heard a voice at a little distance, cry, ‘Who goes there?’ Never had any music been half so pleasing to the ears of Natura.  ‘Friends,’ replied he, ‘and travellers, that have lost their way.’  On this the person who had spoke, drew nearer, and asked whither they were bent.  Natura told him to the villa of the baron d’ Eyrac.  ‘The baron d’ Eyrac,’ said the other, ’he lives twelve miles on the other side the wood, and that is five miles over.’—­He then asked if there were no town near, to which he could direct them.—­’No,’ replied the other, ’but there is a little village where is one inn, and that is above half a league off:—­you will never find your way to it; but if you will pay me, I will guide you.’  Natura wished no more, and having agreed with him for his hire, followed where he led.