"Looks rather suspicious, ma'am, for ye to be traveling on the train alone," began the hackman; but he was interrupted by the lounger.
"That's the way they all travel. Wall, thank the Lord, I hain't so gallant as to git taken in by every decent face I see!"
"Thank Heaven, I am not so lost to all sense of decency as to insult a lady!" said a clear, stern voice; and a tall, distinguished-looking man swept through the crowd, and reached Margie's side.
"Indeed, I am not mistaken!" he said, looking at her with amazement. "Miss Harrison!"
She saw, as he lifted his hat, the frank, handsome face of Louis Castrani. All her troubles were over—this man was a pillar of strength to her weakness. She caught his arm eagerly, and Leo barked with joy, recognizing a friend.
"I am so glad to see you, Mr. Castrani!"
His countenance lighted instantly. He pressed the hand on his arm.
"Thank you, my friend. What service can I render you? Where do you wish to go? Let me act for you."
"Oh, thank you—if you only will! I was going further, but the train I wished to take has been gone some hours, and I must stay here to-night. And on my way, somewhere, my money has been stolen."
"Give yourself no more uneasiness. I am only too happy to be of any use to you."