“The widow seemed kind of overpowered by his coolness.  She hardly knew what to say or what to think.  However, she had broken her old broom, that was certain, and must have a new one; so when Daniel ran out and brought in a bundle of them, she picked out one and paid for it without saying a word; only, when Daniel asked if he might have the pleasure of calling again, she looked a little queer, and told him that if he considered it a pleasure, she had no objection.”

“And did he call again?”

“Yes, whenever he went that way.  The widow was always very polite to him after that, and, though she had a mortal dislike to pedlers in general, she was always ready to trade with him.  Daniel used to say that he gained his bet and the widow’s custom at one blow.”

They were now descending a little hill at the foot of which stood a country tavern.  Here Mr. Stubbs declared his intention of spending the night.  He drove into the barn, the large door of which stood invitingly open, and unharnessed his horse, taking especial care to rub him down and set before him an ample supply of provender.

“I always take care of Goliah myself,” said he.  “He’s a good friend to me, and it’s no more than right that I should take good care of him.  Now, we’ll go into the house, and see what we can get for supper.”

He was surprised to see that Paul hung back, and seemed disinclined to follow.

“What’s the matter?” asked Mr. Stubbs, in surprise.  “Why don’t you come?”

“Because,” said Paul, looking embarrassed, “I’ve got no money.”

“Well, I have,” said Mr. Stubbs, “and that will answer just as well, so come along, and don’t be bashful.  I’m about as hungry as a bear, and I guess you are too.”

Before many minutes, Paul sat down to a more bountiful repast than he had partaken of for many a day.  There were warm biscuits and fresh butter, such as might please the palate of an epicure, while at the other end of the table was a plate of cake, flanked on one side by an apple-pie, on the other by one of pumpkin, with its rich golden hue, such as is to be found in its perfection, only in New England.  It will scarcely be doubted that our hungry travellers did full justice to the fare set before them.

When they had finished, they went into the public room, where were engaged some of the village worthies, intent on discussing the news and the political questions of the day.  It was a time of considerable political excitement, and this naturally supplied the topic of conversation.  In this the pedler joined, for his frequent travel on this route had made him familiarly acquainted with many of those present.

Paul sat in a corner, trying to feel interested in the conversation; but the day had been a long one, and he had undergone an unusual amount of fatigue.  Gradually, his drowsiness increased.  The many voices fell upon his ears like a lullaby, and in a few minutes he was fast asleep.