There, sure enough, were the broad shoulders of Wratislaw bending among the books.
"Lord bless me, Tommy, what extraordinary surprise visit is this?
I thought you would be over your ears in work.

We are tremendously pleased to see you." The sharp blue eyes had been scanning the other's frank sunburnt face with an air of affectionate consideration.

"I got off somehow or other, as I had to see you, old man, so I thought I would try this place first.
What a fortressed wilderness you live in! I got out at Gledsmuir after travelling some dreary miles in a train which stopped at every farm, and then I had to wait an hour till the solitary dogcart of the inn returned.

Hullo! you've got other visitors" And he stretched out a massive hand to Arthur and George.
The sight of him had lifted a load from these gentlemen's hearts.

The old watchdog had come; the little terriers might now take holiday.