Nova Scotia was very like Maine so far. Here were the Maine houses, the Maine trees and rocks, even the Maine wild flowers by the side of the road. He thoughtfully boarded the train, scrutinized the comfortable parlor-car, and, after the lapse of half an hour, decided that he was not in Maine, for, if he had been, the train would certainly have started.
As he was making this reflection, a dapper individual, in light trousers, a shiny hat, and with the indescribable air of being a travelling salesman, entered the car where Vesper sat in solitary grandeur.
Vesper slightly inclined his head, and the stranger, dropping a neat leather bag in the seat next him, observed, "We had a good passage."
"Very good," replied Vesper.
"Nobody sick," pursued the dapper individual, taking off his hat, brushing it, and carefully replacing it on his head.
"I should think not," returned Vesper; then he consulted his watch. "We are late in starting."
"We're always late," observed the newcomer, tartly. "This is your first trip down here?"
Vesper, with the reluctance of his countrymen to admit that they have done or are doing something for the first time, did not contradict his statement.
"I've been coming to this province for ten years," said his companion. "I represent Stone and Warrior."