"I don't mind who else is called by it, uncle. Besides, sheepdogs are very useful animals."
"They differ from boys in one marked respect, Bob."
"What is that, uncle?"
"They always attend strictly to business, lad. They are most conscientious workers. Now, this is more than can be said for boys."
"But I don't suppose the sheepdogs do much, while they are puppies, uncle."
"Humph! I think you have me there, Bob. I suppose we must make allowances for them both.
"Well, we shall be at Guildford in half an hour, and will stop there for dinner. I shall not be sorry to get down to stamp my feet a bit. It is very cold here, in spite of these rugs."
It was seven o'clock in the evening when the coach drew up at the George Hotel, in Portsmouth. Captain O'Halloran was at the door to meet them.
"Well, Mr. Bale, you have had a coldish drive down, today.
"How are you, Bob?"