Suddenly he uttered an exclamation of impatience, and going to the door, called to a lad who was passing.
"Here, you!" he said.

"You know where Mr.Stoner lodges ?--Mrs.
Battley's.

Run round there, and see why he hasn't come to his work.

It's an hour and a half past his time.

Happen he's poorly--run now, sharp!" He went off down the yard again when he had despatched this message; he came back to the office ten minutes later, just as the messenger returned.
"Well ?" he demanded, with a side-glance to assure himself that Cotherstone was at hand.