train.

"There is only a black portmanteau," said he. "Ah, that is it.
I shall want it put in the cloakroom for an hour or two while I go
into the town."

The stranger gave up his ticket--a single ticket--and stepped outside
the station. He was a mild, thin man, slightly above middle height,
with vacant eyes and a hesitating manner. He wore a black suit, a
rather rusty top-hat, and carried a silk umbrella.

"Here he comes!"

"Look, that's him!"

"Give 'un a cheer, boys."

"Hip, hip, hoor-roar!"

The sound burst upon the clear sky in a deafening peal. The stranger
paused and looked confused.

"Dear me!" he murmured to himself, "the population here seems to be
excited about something--and, bless my soul, what a lot of it there
is!"

He might well say so. Along the road, arms, sticks, baskets, and
handkerchiefs were frantically waving; men shouting and children
hurrahing with might and main. Windows were flung up; heads
protruded; flags waved in frenzied welcome. The tumult was