"I've stopped the train. I'm going to ride to Jacksonville as I rode to San Marco—ages ago. I'm not going alone."
"Indeed?"
"Quick. The conductor will be here in a minute. Here's a card and pencil—write a note for Aunt Mary. Say you'll meet them in Jacksonville! Hurry, please!"
"Mr. Minot!" With great dignity.
"One last ride together. One last chance for me to—to set things right if I can."
"If you can."
"If—I admit it. Won't you give me the chance? I thought you would be game. I dare you!"
For a second they gazed into each other's eyes. The train had come to a stop, and Aunt Mary stirred fretfully in her sleep. With sudden decision Cynthia Meyrick wrote on the card and dropped it on her slumbering relative.
"I know I'll be sorry—but—" she gasped.
"Hurry! This way! The conductor's coming there!"