These were so engrossing that I took no count of the stations we passed through. I was just picturing to myself the delights of a long ride on the pony, when, to my amazement the stopping of the train was followed by the loud exhortation:
"All change here!"
"Why, where are we?" I asked, looking up bewildered.
"At Lowford," replied one of my fellow-passengers.
But they gathered up their parcels, and swept out of the carriage without a question as to my destination.
I seized on a porter.
"How did I get here?" I asked him; "I was going to Upperton. What has happened?"
"Upperton, was you?" said the man. "Why, you must ha' got into the slip carriage for Lowford. I s'pose 'twas a smartish crowd at Paddin'ton."
"It was," I replied, "and I hadn't time to ask if I was right. I suppose my luggage has gone on. But what can I do now? How far is it to Upperton? Is there another train?"
"Well, no, there ain't another train, not to-night. It's a matter of fifteen mile to Upperton by the road."