"You are after your time, Master Peters," he began, "I had expected you yestere'en."
"Aye, aye," answered the farmer slowly. "I were in Taunton then, sure enow, but the mare were took bad and I could not leave her."
"Hum," answered the other somewhat sharply. "You should recollect, Master Peters, time is precious."
"Aye, your honour," answered the farmer imperturbably. "But so is hosses."
The secretary started angrily, and eyed the solemn face of his companion doubtfully. Then satisfied by his scrutiny, his lip curled slightly, and he proceeded:
"Well, well, now you are here, I need not detain you. I see by this letter that you successfully carried out your undertaking."
"Aye, aye, sure enough. I took Master Ferguson to——"
"Master Peters," interrupted the other sharply, "you will do well to remember this is a matter requiring much circumspection. We will, therefore, have no names, if you please."
"Why, there be none here to hearken," answered the farmer, in aggrieved surprise.
"There is a saying that walls have ears. You cannot be too careful."