'And the hartist's signed his name to it,' said Ned, proudly, as he produced the crumpled up journal for the benefit of the 'bagman,' who occupied the box seat. Ned Glenn was a thick-and-thin supporter of Jim Dennis and Dr Tom, not to mention the little chap, and Sal. If the whole of the members of the ministry had been on his coach, Ned would have pulled up at Wanabeen.
It so came about that the night Dr Tom was to leave Wanabeen Ned's coach was due.
The doctor and Jim Dennis were standing on the verandah, and saw him tooling his team along at a shambling gallop.
'Funny thing we should be talking about that affair at Potter's,' said the doctor. 'Here's Ned's coach.'
'He'll pull up here, he always does,' said Jim. 'I'll go and get him a drink ready. I feel quite light-hearted now the little chap is better—thanks to you, doc.'
Jim Dennis passed inside, and before he came out again Ned Glenn had pulled up his horses in front of the homestead.
There were no passengers; he merely had the mail and some luggage.
'Hullo, doctor, what are you doing here?' sang out Ned in his cheery voice.
'Jim's youngster has been very ill. I've been here these three days.'
'Eh, Gad! What! the little chap?' exclaimed Ned, as he scrambled down.