Travel on these roads is slim.'
"'I should think likely,' I returned, remembering the half dozen or so
hills up which I had clambered since I took to my horse. 'How far are
we from Pentonville?'
"'O, two or three miles,' he replied, but in a hurried kind of a way.
'Not far in the daytime but a regular journey in a night like this?'
"'Yes,' said I, as the house shook under a fresh gust; 'it is
fortunate I have a place in which to put up.'
"He glanced down at my baggage which consisted of a small hand bag, an
over-coat and a fishing pole, with something like a gleam of
disappointment.
"'Going fishing?' he asked.
"'Yes,' I returned.
"'Good trout up those streams and plenty of them,' he went on. 'Going
alone?'
"I did not half like his importunity, but considering I had nothing
better to do, replied as affably as possible. 'No, I expect to meet a
friend in Pentonville who will accompany me."
"His hand went to his beard in a thoughtful attitude and he cast me
what, with my increased experience of the world, I should now
consider a sinister glance. 'Then you are expected?' said he.
"Not considering this worth reply, I stretched out my feet to the
blaze and began to warm them, for I felt chilled through.
"'Been on the road long?' he now asked, glancing at the blue flannel
suit I wore.
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