"Yes. He has just arrived."
"Why, w--what's he back so soon fer?"
"Special business, so he tells me. But I must be off."
Stephen noted Farrington's remarkable interest in Tony's return, and wondered what it meant. He had no mind to tell him about Dan, for he preferred to have as few words as possible with this man who was such a thorn in the flesh. He left Farrington standing in the door and proceeded with Tony up the road. As they moved along he noticed how his companion lagged behind. Usually he was such a rapid walker, and this slowness was a surprise to Stephen.
"Are you not well, Tony?" he asked.
"I'm all right," was the reply. "I've had a long walk to-day."
"Since when?"
"Daybreak."
"And did you rest?"
"No."