Page:The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy (Volume 5).pdf/29

 ship ordered me to sell him last April, said Obadiah.—Then go on foot for your pains, cried my father.—I had much rather walk than ride, said Obadiah, shutting the door.

What plagues! cried my father, going on with his calculation.—But the waters are out, said Obadiah,—opening the door again.

Till that moment, my father, who had a map of Sansons, and a book of the post roads before him, had kept his hand upon the head of his compasses, with one foot of them fixed upon Nevers, the last stage he had paid for—purposing to go on from that point with his journey and calculation, as soon as Obadiah quitted the room; but this second attack of Obadiahs, in opening the door and laying the whole country under water, was too much.—He let go his compasses—or ra-