The young man's expression was scarcely ingratiating. To a natural
sullenness was added now the nervous distaste of one who approaches
a disagreeable task.

"I want, if I may, to ask you a favour," he continued. "If you don't
feel like granting it, please say no and I'll be off at once. I am
on my way to The Hague. I was to have gone by the boat train which
left half an hour ago. I had taken a seat, and they assured me that
the train would not leave for at least ten minutes, as the mails
weren't in. I went down the platform to buy some papers and stood
talking for a moment or two with a man whom I know. I suppose I
must have been longer than I thought, or they must have been quicker
than they expected with the mailbags. Anyhow, when I came back the
train was moving. They would not let me jump in. I could have done
it easily, but that fool of an inspector over there held me."

"They are very strict in this country, I know."

Mr. Dunster agreed, without change of expression.
"Please go on."

"I saw you arrive--just too late for the train. While I was
swearing at the inspector, I heard you speak to the station-master.
Since then I have made inquiries. I understand that you have
ordered a special train to Harwich."

Mr. John P. Dunster said nothing, only his keen, clear eyes seemed
all the time to be questioning this gloomy-looking but apparently
harmless young man.