The guard shook his head.
“I couldn’t go on that way, sir, without instructions.”
“Is there a telegraph office at this station?” Mr. Dunster inquired.
“We can speak anywhere on the line,” the guard replied.
“Then wire to the station-master at Liverpool Street,” Mr. Dunster instructed. “You can get a reply from him in the course of a few minutes. Explain the situation and tell him what my wishes are.”
The guard hesitated.
“It’s a goodish way from here to Norwich,” he observed, “and for all we know—”
“When we left Liverpool Street Station,” Mr. Dunster interrupted, “I promised five pounds each to you, the engine-driver, and his mate. That five pounds shall be made twenty-five if you succeed in getting me to the coast. Do your best for me.”
The guard raised his hat and departed without another word.
“It will probably suit you better,” Mr. Dunster continued, turning to his companion, “to leave me at Ipswich and join the mail.”