'Gone with Simon Tappertit to that precious Branch, no doubt.' Mr Haredale invited him to come into the coach, and, if he were not tired or anxious to go home, to ride with him a little way that they might have some talk together.

Gabriel cheerfully complied, and the coachman mounting his box drove off.
'Varden,' said Mr Haredale, after a minute's pause, 'you will be amazed to hear what errand I am on; it will seem a very strange one.' 'I have no doubt it's a reasonable one, sir, and has a meaning in it,' replied the locksmith; 'or it would not be yours at all.

Have you just come back to town, sir ?' 'But half an hour ago.' 'Bringing no news of Barnaby, or his mother ?' said the locksmith dubiously.

'Ah! you needn't shake your head, sir.

It was a wild-goose chase.