Page:Peterruggmissing00austrich.djvu/41

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THE MISSING MAN.
35

of burnt leather, spell bound, he was fixed to the earth as though a nail had been driven through each hoof. 'Sir,' said Rugg, 'perhaps you are travelling to Boston, and if so, I should be happy to accompany you for I have lost my way, and I must reach home to-night. See how sleepy this little girl looks; poor thing, she is a picture of patience.' 'Sir,' said I, 'it is impossible for you to reach home to-night, for you are in Concord in the County of Sussex, in the State of Delaware.' 'What do you mean,' said he, 'by state of Delaware? If I was in Concord, that is only twenty miles from Boston, and my horse Lightfoot could carry me to Charlestown ferry in less than two hours. You mistake sir, you are a stranger here, this town is nothing like Concord. I am well acquainted with Concord. I went to Concord when I left Boston.' 'But,' said I, 'you are in Concord in the State of Delaware.' 'What do you mean by state?' said Rugg. 'Why one of the United States.' 'States,' said he in a low voice, 'the man is a wag, and would persuade me that I am in Holland.' Then raising his voice, he said 'you seem to be a gentleman, and I entreat