To do so would be to presuppose actions on the part of that astute ancestor quite out of keeping with his known character.

Would Hamilton Spence, senior, have crossed a continent at the word of one of whom he knew nothing, save that he wrote an agreeable letter?
Would he have engaged (and paid for in advance) board and lodging at a place wholly supposititious?
Would he have neglected to ask for references?
Hamilton Spence, junior, was forced to admit that he would not.
But those letters of old Farr had been so blamed plausible! Well, anyhow, he would have the pleasure of meeting and outfacing the old rascal.

This satisfaction he had expected the night before.

But upon their arrival at the "picturesque though humble" cottage (after a climb at the memory of which his leg still shuddered), it was found that Dr.Farr was not at home.
"He has probably gone 'up trail'" Miss Farr had said casually, "and in that case he won't be back until morning." "Did you say up ?" The professor's voice held incredulity.

Whereupon his hostess had most unkindly smiled: "You're not much of a walker, are you ?" was her untactful comment.
"My leg--" He had actually begun to tell her about his leg! Luckily her amused shrug had acted as a period.