Good-bye now, and thank you for all your kindness to me." "Good-bye, Martin!" he echoed; and, as the train moved slowly out of the station, I really felt quite sorry to part with him; but, as the panting engine proceeded on its way, going faster as it emerged from the labyrinthic terminus on to the open line, dragging the groaning, wheezing, jolting carriages behind it--the clatter of the wheels and rattle of the coupling-chains keeping time with the puffs and pants of escaping steam--my temporary emotion at parting with Uncle George was banished by the exultant feeling of being set free, like a bird let loose from a cage.
I was only conscious that I was flying along to new scenes and new surroundings, where everything would be fresh and novel, and entirely unlike what I had previously been accustomed to at Tapioca Villa..