We did not prefer to have the express-wagon, for it was too public a conveyance, and, besides, old John knew exactly how to do what was required.

But we need not have troubled ourselves.

The express-wagon did not come.
When it became dark, we saw that we could not leave that night.

Even if a wagon did come, it would not be safe to drive over the fields in the darkness.

And we could not go away and leave the camp-equipage.