"THE STATION-MASTER CAME UP."
"How far is the junction from this by road; could I do it in time?"
"Out of the question, sir. It would take one who knew the road the best part of three hours to drive."
I looked away to my left, where the green hill-side rose up steep and clear against the evening sky. It was one of the most mountainous quarters of England, and the tunnel that pierced the hill was a triumph of engineering skill, even in these days when science sticks at nothing. Pointing to the brick archway I said, musingly:—
"And yet, once through the tunnel, how close at hand the junction station seems."
"That's true enough, sir; the other side the tunnel it is not half a mile down the line."
"What length is it?"
"The tunnel, sir? Close upon three miles, and straight as a dart."
There was another pause, then I said, slowly:—