He had come into our part of the state to visit a kinsman, but had got off his proper route and had called at our house to ask how far away this relative lived.
"It is nine or ten miles up there," the old Squire said when they had shaken hands.

"You are off your route.

Better take out your horse and spend the night with us.

You can find your way better by daylight." After some further conversation Mr.Barker decided to accept the old Squire's invitation.

While grandmother and Ellen got supper for our guest, the old Squire escorted him to the hand bowl that he had put in at the end of the bathroom hall.