The hidden brook took up its monotonous murmur, the tapping of a distant woodpecker became suddenly audible, and Mr.Hamlin was again alone.
"Wonder whether he's got parents in the stage, and has been playing truant here," he mused, lazily.

"Looked as if he'd been up to some devilment, or more like as if he was primed for it.

If he'd been a little older, I'd have bet he was in league with some road-agents to watch the coach.

Just my luck to have him light out as I was beginning to get some talk out of him." He paused, looked at his watch, and straightened himself in his stirrups.

"Four o'clock.