"Don't do that again, Freddy. It's a wonder I didn't go over like a tenpin."
"I didn't see you," growled Freddy, winking hard.
"I gathered that," remarked King, and was hurrying on, but Whitcomb held him.
"Why weren't you at the station to see them off?" he demanded. "I thought of course you'd be there."
"More room for you, Freddy," returned the other, looking steadily into his friend's belligerent eyes.
"I don't see how you could neglect Linda at such a time."
"Do you think she missed me?" asked King quietly.
"Of course she did," hotly. "I found out only by accident by what train they were going. They didn't let anybody know, Miss Barry said; but of course you knew. I'd—I'd hardly know Linda."
A terrific lump rose in the speaker's throat, and blinded again by grief he turned hastily away to continue his march.
This time Bertram detained him. Freddy tried to escape, but it was a grip of steel on his arm. "Come into the club a minute," said King, and his companion obeyed the leading. At least it would be a place where he could use his handkerchief secure from observation.