“This is our last stage, Hugh, and tonight we shall be in London,” Rupert said, as they rode out of Watford.  “Methinks we shall find it very strange in that great city.  I am glad I thought of asking our host the name of an inn at which to put up.  The Bell in Bishopsgate Street, he said.  It will seem less strange asking the way there than it would be to be wandering about gazing for a place at which to alight.”

“Ay, truly, Master Rupert; and I’ve heard say those London folk are main fond of making game of strangers.”

“So I have heard, Hugh; any reasonable jest we had best put up with with good temper.  If they push it too far, we shall be able, I doubt not, to hold our own.  The first thing to do will be to get clothes of the cut in vogue, for I have come away just as I stood; and I fear that even your clothes will have a marvellously country air about them in the eyes of the city folk.

“There is London,” he said, as they passed over the crest of Hampstead Hill.  “That great round dome that stands up so high must be Saint Paul’s; and look how many other church towers and spires there are.  And there, away to the right, those must be the towers of Westminster.”

“It is a big place, surely, Master Rupert.  How many people do you think live there?”

“I believe there are near 300,000 souls there, Hugh.  It seems wonderful, does it not?”

“It’s too big to think of, Master Rupert,” Hugh said, and they continued their journey southward.

They entered the city at Aldersgate, but they had ridden some distance through houses before they arrived at the boundary, for the city was already spreading beyond its ancient limits.  Once inside the walls, the lads were astonished at the bustle and noise.

Hugh inquired the way to Bishopsgate Street of a respectable citizen, who directed them to follow the road until they came to a broad turning to their left.  This would be Chepeside, and they were to follow this until they came to the Exchange, a large building straight in front of them.  Passing this, they would find themselves in Bishopsgate Street.

If Aldersgate Street had surprised them, much more were they astonished at the din and turmoil of Chepeside, and Hugh, having twice narrowly escaped riding over a citizen, and being soundly rated for a country gawk, Rupert turned to him.

“Look at your horse’s head, Hugh, and pay no attention to aught else.  When we have reached our destination, we shall have plenty of time to look at all these wonders.”

The advice was good, and without mischance they reached the Bell in Bishopsgate Street, and rode into the yard.  The host at once came out, and after a momentary look of surprise at the youth of the new arrivals, he asked Rupert courteously if he needed a room.

“Two rooms if it please you,” Rupert said, “and together.”

The host called a hostler, who at once took charge of the horses, and led them to the stable, the lads first removing the valises and holsters, which a servant carried up to their rooms.