While I was answering these questions with the best grace I could muster, there came the patter of horse's hoofs, and Jim Long rode up to the side gate, dismounted with a careless swing, nodded to me, and, opening the gate, led the doctor's horse stableward.
The look of surprise on my companion's face was instantly followed by a malicious smile, which, in its turn, was banished to give place to a more proper expression.
"Long has been giving the doctor's horse some exercise," he said, half inquiringly.
"I believe he has been executing some commission for Miss Barnard," I fabricated, unblushingly. "Long has been very useful here."
"Indeed," carelessly; then glancing at his watch, "nearly noon, I see."
He turned, vaulted into his saddle, and touched his hat. "Good-morning. In case of necessity, command me;" and with a second application of his finger-tip to the brim of his hat, he shook the reins and cantered away.
As soon as he was out of sight I went straight to the stable where Jim was bountifully feeding the tired horse.
"Well, Long?"
"It's all right, captain. I've had a hard ride, but it's done."