Tony proceeded to carry out the plan he had proposed.
He traveled by rail to a village near by, and then with his bundle suspended to a stick, took up his march to the tavern.
He entered the familiar stable yard. All looked as it did the day he left. There was only one person in the yard, and that one Tony recognized at once as his old enemy, Sam Payson, who appeared to be filling his old position, as stable boy.
"Hallo, Sam!" said Tony, whose entrance had not been observed.
Sam looked up and whistled.
"What, have you come back?" he said, not appearing overjoyed at the sight of Tony.
"Yes, Sam," said Tony.
"Where have you been all the time?"
"In New York part of the time."
"What have you been doing for a living?"