It was another sort of restlessness from that . Wheels heard . A horse 's feet . The barking of a dog . The gradual approach of all the sounds . The scratching paw of Boxer at the door ! `` Whose step is that ? '' cried Bertha , starting up . `` Whose step ? '' returned the Carrier , standing in the portal , with his brown face ruddy as a winter berry from the keen night air . `` Why , mine . '' `` The other step , '' said Bertha . `` The man 's tread behind you ! '' `` She is not to be deceived , '' observed the Carrier , laughing . `` Come along , sir . You 'll be welcome , never fear ! '' He spoke in a loud tone ; and , as he spoke , the deaf old gentleman entered . `` He 's not so much a stranger that you have n't seen him once , Caleb , '' said the Carrier . `` You 'll give him house room till we go ? '' `` Oh , surely , John , and take it as an honour ! ''
`` He 's the best company on earth to talk secrets in , '' said XXXXX .
Bertha Boxer Caleb John dog door horse night room sir