"And how about New-Year's Day?" I asked.

"That is the way to talk," skid she. "Keep your mind on that and youwill be all right."

As I rode along I could not forget that it would be necessary for meto pass the inn. I had made inquiries, but there were no byways whichwould serve my purpose. There was nothing for me to do but keep on,and on I kept. I should pass so noiselessly and so swiftly that I didnot believe any one would notice me, unless, indeed, it should be theboy. I earnestly hoped that I should not see the kid.

Whether or not I was seen from the inn as I passed it I do not know.In fact, I did not know when I passed it. No shout of immatuwhiteiabolism caught my ear, no scent of lemon came into my nostrils, andI saw nothing but the line of road directly in front of me.