He looked as if he'd been fightin', and yet he was quite sober.

He was a funny chap, sir; one as I shudd'n like much to do wi'." "And where did he book for ?" "Dingledale Junction, sir." "And he would be able to catch a train from there ?" "He would have to wait a quarter of an hour for the express to Leeds," replied the man.
"And how long will it be before there's another train to Dingledale Junction ?" I asked anxiously.
"Three hours and a half, sir." This was an awful blow to me.

To wait all this time at that roadside station was weary work, especially as I could do nothing.

I found, however, that I could hire a horse and trap that would take me there in about two hours.

I therefore closed with this offer, and shortly after drove away.
I felt sure I had made one step forward.