'Nothing, only I'm off, that's all, old man. And I cannot ask you
to stay this evening, you understand, because I have to pack.'

He turned slowly on Horner, who had recovered himself, but still had
his hand over his face.

'Got any money, Geoff?' he asked.

'Yes, I have twenty pounds if you want it,' answered the other in a
hoarse voice.

'I do want it--badly.'

The journalist had taken up his hat and stick. He moved slowly
towards the door, and, there pausing, saw Horner pass the bank-notes
to Conyngham.

'You had better go too,' said the Irishman. 'You two are going in
the same direction, I know.'

Horner rose, and, half laughing, Conyngham pushed him towards the
door.

'See him home, Blake,' he said. 'Horner has the blues to-night.'



CHAPTER III. LIKE SHIPS UPON THE SEA.