Next day his luggage arrived – and very remarkable luggage it was.
There were a couple of trunks, such as any man might have, but there was also a box of books – big, fat books – and a lot of boxes with glass bottles. The stranger, muffled in hat, coat, and gloves came out to meet Fearenside’s cart, not noticing Fearenside’s dog.
When the dog saw him, it sprang straight at his hand.
Fearenside cried, “Lie down!”
They saw the dog’s teeth slip the hand, and bite the stranger’s leg. It all happened in half a minute. No one spoke, every one shouted. The stranger looked swiftly at his torn glove and trousers, then turned and rushed into the inn.
They heard him go to his room.
Hall was also there staring. “He was bitten,” said Hall. “I’d better go and see.” And he went after the stranger.
He met Mrs. Hall in the inn.
“Fearenside’s dog,” he said, “bit him.”