Several passengers descended from the train and gathered on the platform. Among them, of course, was our hero.
A shabby-looking stage stood just beside the station house. Knowing that it was a ten miles’ journey, and important to get a comfortable seat, Walter passed through the building, and took a seat inside. Several other passengers followed leisurely until the carriage was nearly full. While Walter was wondering how soon they would start, a gentleman, accompanied by a boy of about Walter’s age, approached the driver, who was about to take his seat.
“Didn’t you see anything of my carriage, Abner?”
“No, General Wall,” said Abner, respectfully. “I didn’t see it anywhere on the road.”
“That is very strange,” muttered Mr. Wall, discontentedly. “I told Henry to drive over for me. Are you sure you might not have passed without seeing it?”
“I’d have seed it if it had been on the road,” said Abner, with more emphasis than strict adherence to grammatical rules.
“I suppose we must ride with you, then,” said Mr. Wall. “Can you give us seats inside?”
The driver came to the door, and, opening it, looked in.
“There’s one seat,” he said. “Your son can ride outside with me.”
John Wall evidently did not fancy this arrangement. The fact was that it was beginning to sprinkle, and, being nicely dressed, he did not want to get wet.