Presently he espied in advance of him a couple of boys, whose figures looked familiar. It did not take him long to recall the two boys he had met in the pasture on his former visit. Of course they were James and Tom.
"Just the ones I want to see," he said to himself. "I may get some news from them."
He quickened his pace, and soon overtook them.
"Good morning, young gentlemen!" he said, urbanely. "I believe we have met before."
The boys turned around. They, too, recognized him.
"Yes, sir," answered James. "You are old Anthony's nephew."
"The same! I am glad you remember me. Have you seen or heard of my uncle lately?"
"Yes; we saw him yesterday in the wood."
"Has he recovered from his rheumatic attack?"
"I guess so," said Tom. "He is looking pretty well now."