Still the wagon lagged behind.

Re-emerging, he took the road again, his whole man hot within his furred coat as a teapot within a cosy.
In this temper, then, Mr.Gavel came to the wharf at Preston Bagot locks, and finding the _Success to Commerce_ moored there with a tall man apparently in charge, demanded if he came from Birmingham.
"Or thereabouts," answered the tall man, eyeing him.

"From there or thereabouts.

And, if I mistake not, you are the--er--person of whom I came in search." The man's voice took Mr.Gavel somewhat aback.

It did not resemble an ordinary bargee's.