"Perhaps it's hardly worth while, but I can't claim that Austin and I
are particularly friendly. Our business interests sometimes clash."

She was silent for a few moments, and he wondered why both she and the
man had been curious to know how far his acquaintance with Austin went.
Then she looked up with a quick movement. "Newcastle is not a charming
town, and if you have no other reason for going there, it might be
better to post the packet."

Foster was somewhat puzzled. She had spoken meaningly, as if she meant
to give him a hint.

"The trouble is that I promised Miss Austin to deliver it."

"You have brought it to England," she persisted. "It will be safe in
the post------"

She stopped with a glance at the door, and Foster heard a step in the
passage. Then she quietly turned to the man who had taken the packet.

"I would have missed the train at Hawick but for this gentleman's
help," she said. "Still, I did not know he was coming here until I saw
him as I passed the door."

The other, who had looked at her rather sharply, nodded and gave Foster
the packet.

"As there was room enough, I wrote the new address on the cover."

Foster thanked him and took his leave, but as the man went before him