The letter-bag was not delivered at the Woodlands until after breakfast-time. It brought, the next morning, the expected letter from Dr. Dustacre to Mr. Smalls; and stated that he would pay a visit to the Woodlands on that day, and would take a conveyance from the Poynton Station, which he presumed would be his nearest point.
"So it is," said the Squire, to his son, as they talked together in the study, little Mr. Bouncer not being present. "Geographically speaking, Poynton is certainly our nearest station; but Dr. Dustacre is not aware that no vehicle of any description can be obtained there. Barham Station is the point that he ought to make for. There is nothing for it but to meet him at Poynton. I should think he would be there by the twelve-thirty-five train. You had better drive me; and then we can talk over matters with the Doctor without a servant listening to what we say. I daresay your friend, Mr. Bouncer, will excuse our absence, and we shall not be away long."
Mr. Smalls the younger therefore sought out his college friend and said, "My father wants me to drive him over to the Poynton Station on a matter connected with poor Tom. I hope you won't mind me leaving you for two or three hours. We shall be back to luncheon."
"Pray don't mind me. I 'll make myself happy, and poke about, and have a look over the premises," replied Mr. Bouncer.
So the two Mr. Smalls, father and son, drove off to the Poynton Station; and Mr. Bouncer lighted his pipe, and paid a visit to Huz and Buz, who were delighted to see him, and were still further pleased when he released them from the stable in which they had been penned,
