As he closed the front door Martha Jane emerged from the kitchen.
"A man came to see you just after you'd gone out, sir," she informed him. "Party of the name of Bates. Said he'd call again."
Colin, who had heard nothing of Joe since they had parted outside the station, received the news with no little interest.
"Did he mention any particular time?" he asked.
"No, sir. 'E just said 'e'd look round again later."
"Well, let me know at once if he does," he replied. "I'll see him immediately, no matter how many people are waiting."
Martha Jane nodded. "There's a letter and a telegram come for you too, sir. They're over there on the hall table." She paused. "Per'aps as Miss Nancy's out you'd like your tea in the surgery?"
"Yes, that will be best," said Colin. "You can bring it along in as soon as it's ready."
He divested himself of his coat, and, crossing to the table, picked up the telegram. As he expected, it bore the Lincoln postmark, and with eager fingers he slit open the flap and pulled out the contents.
"Operation a complete success. Shall be home to-morrow about one.—MARK."