The bright lamps of the dog-cart were almost close before him.

He shouted to Reynolds.
"Whoa, January!" ejaculated that ancient functionary as he pulled up Strawberry close to John Short.

Why the natives of Essex and especially of Billingsfield habitually address their beasts of burden as "January" is a matter best left to the discrimination of philologers; obedient to the familiar words however, Strawberry stood still in the middle of the road.

John could see that Mrs.Goddard was seated by the side of Reynolds but that Nellie was not in the cart.
"Oh, Mrs.Goddard, is that you ?" said John.

"Mr.Juxon will be here in a moment.