"He's too mild and easy. It will go in at one ear and come out of the other," prophesied Daniel.
But none the less he called on Mr. Churchouse when next at Bridetown.
The old man had just received a parcel by post and was elated.
"A most interesting work sent to me from 'A Well Wisher,'" he said. "It is an old perambulation of Dorsetshire, which I have long desired to possess."
"People like your writings in the Bridport Gazette," declared Daniel.
"Can you give me a few minutes, Uncle Ernest? I won't keep you."
"My time is always at the service of Henry Ironsyde's boys," answered the other, "and nothing that I can do for you, or Raymond, is a trouble."
"Thank you. I'm grateful. It is about Raymond, as a matter of fact."
"Ah, I'm not altogether surprised. Come into the study."
Mr. Churchouse, carrying his new book, led the way and soon he heard of the younger man's anxieties. But the bookworm increased rather than allayed them.
"Do you see anything of Raymond?" began Daniel.