"
"In that case I almost fear to announce that we shall move faster
to-morrow."
"I am willing to be coerced," said Tristram, and dropped off again.
It was but an hour after dawn when his father aroused him. The boat
lay moored by a little quay, beyond which his eye travelled to
clusters of red roofs glowing in the easterly sunshine, and a
dominant spire, the weathercock of which dazzled the eye with its
brightness. The town was just waking up, as could be perceived from
the blue wreaths of smoke that poured out of the chimneys.
Captain Salt was in an evident hurry. Without giving Tristram time
to wash in the fore-cabin, he hustled him on shore and up a narrow
street to an inn, over the archway of which hung the sign of a White
Lamb with a flag between its forelegs. Here they rang a bell, and
were admitted after ten minutes by a sleepy chambermaid, who led them
upstairs to a low-browed sitting-room facing the street, as they
perceived when she drew back the shutters. At the back of this room
lay two bedchambers; and Tristram withdrew into the nearer, while his
father ordered breakfast.
It happened that these two bedrooms overlooked a broad court or
stable-yard behind the White Lamb. Captain Salt, having given his
instructions, retired, whistling cheerfully, to perform his toilet.
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