It was unfortunate for George Early that the train conveying his enemies to London should stop for several minutes at Sevenoaks till an express had overtaken it and rushed on ahead. During that time, an interesting conversation between a porter and a local drayman drifted into the carriage where Gray and his companion sat.
"Young feller, he was," said the porter, "and his head all bandaged and a shade on his eyes. I arst 'im for 'is ticket, and the doctor, 'e says, 'Don't talk to 'im,' 'e says; ''e's deaf, and blind too,' 'e says."
Gray got up, and leaned out of the window.
"Funny thing is," continued the porter, "that when the cab went off, I 'eard the two of 'em talking. Now, if 'e was deaf, 'ow——"
The guard's whistle blew suddenly, and the engine hooted.
"Come on," said Gray, quickly, turning to the others; "get out here; we're on their track."
He jumped on to the platform.
"Look here——" began Busby.
"Make up y' mind there," yelled the station-master, getting out of temper.