“I’m glad you are at liberty again, and hope the trouble you have been through will be a lesson to you, and teach you that honesty is the best policy.”
“I don’t intend to get into trouble again,” echoed Peace.
“Well said!”
The train rattles on, but despite these assurances some of the passengers are ill at ease.
The females bestow compassionate glances at Peace, whose costume causes him to be a marked man; it is in every respect so different to that worn by the other occupants of the carriage.
When the train stopped the old gentleman and two or three others in the carriage discovered that a change would be desirable.
They leave their seats and hurry forward and ensconce themselves in another compartment.
It is pretty plainly demonstrated to him that his room is liked better than his company; or, in other words, he is a man to be avoided.
“All right,” murmured Peace. “This is the usual course of things; and what a man has to submit to with the best grace he can. But it does not much matter. I’ll soon cast off this precious outfit and make up for a gentleman, and then nobody will be any the wiser.”
Before reaching Sheffield, Peace found his wife, his mother and son-in-law awaiting his approach.