Thomas had turned up his collar against the teasing chilly breezes that had come blowing down the dirt road at his back.  Sticking his hands deep in his pockets he walked along at a brisk pace carried by long legs and the desire to get out of the open.  The road was empty but for him at the moment, and he could hear very little other then the occasional bird song.  Along either side of the road stretched grass and farmland with a tree or bush here and there but up ahead he could see the tops of buildings beginning to appear.  
Then there came the sound of hooves and the unmistakable jingling of a carriage.  It coming from behind, Thomas stepped off to the side of the road and glanced over his shoulder to catch sight of the approaching carriage.  Not taking long to recognize the passenger and the driver, Thomas started walking again but this time backwards, watching the quickly approaching vehicle with an amused expression.  
"Bit late this morning aye John?"  He called, his breath coming out in a faint cloud as he spoke.