“I hope so,” murmured the man. “I must get to New York—it means a great deal to me.”
Joe urged the horse to even faster speed, and when he reached the quiet streets of Preston more than one person turned to look at the carriage, which went along faster than vehicles usually did in that quiet community.
Once more the whistle sounded, and the man exclaimed:
“We’ll never make it!”
“Yes, we will,” said Joe quietly. “The station is only another block.”
“I’m sure I can’t thank you enough,” went on the man, and his hand sought his pocket. “You say you’ll notify the livery keeper?”
“Yes, I’ll tell him where his horse is, and he can send for it.”
“That’s very kind of you. I wish you’d let me give you something—reward you for this service.”
“No—no!” exclaimed Joe. “I couldn’t think of it!” He saw a roll of bills in the man’s hand.
“But you don’t know, young man, what it means for me to catch this train. I wish you’d let me pay for your time and trouble——”