A few days had passed when Philip startled little Dr Joy with the information that he had walked two miles and felt equal to two more.
‘But you must not try it, though,’ said the doctor quickly; ‘you are a strong fellow, but you must not be in too great a hurry to prove it. We must be economical of our strength, you know, as well as of everything else. You are getting on nicely—very nicely and with wonderful rapidity. Don’t spoil it all by too much eagerness.’
‘Don’t be afraid—I’ll take care.’
The afternoon post brought him a note from Mr Shield, announcing his arrival at the Langham Hotel, and inquiring if he felt strong enough to call there next day at eleven.
‘I am quite strong enough to be with you at the time mentioned,’ was Philip’s prompt reply; and he kept the engagement punctually.
Being expected, he was conducted immediately to the sitting-room of one of the finest suites of apartments on the first floor. Evidently Mr Shield had an idea of taking advantage of all the comforts of the old country, to make up for whatever inconveniences he had submitted to in his colonial life.
Standing at one of the windows was a big brawny man, dressed in dark-brown tweed. He turned as Philip entered, and showed a face covered with thick, shaggy hair, which had been black, but was now plentifully streaked with silver. Of his features, only the eyes and nose were distinguishable, for the shaggy hair fell over his brow, too, in defiance of combs and brushes.
Philip’s idea of Mr Shield’s appearance had been vague enough; but somehow this man was so unlike every preconceived notion of him, that he would have fancied there was a mistake, had not all doubt been at once removed by the greeting he received.
‘How do you do, Philip? Glad to see you.’
He held out a big horny hand, which betokened a long friendship with pickaxe and spade. His manner was somewhat rough, but it was frank and good-natured. Still it was unlike the manner of one who had received some education and had been accustomed to move in ordinary society. All this, however, Philip quickly accounted for by recalling the fact, that Mr Shield had been living so many years on the outskirts of civilisation, that he must have forgotten much, and unconsciously adopted some of the characteristics of his uncouth associates.