"Yes, there was no reason why I should not. I thought that Anne was in trouble; I went down at once on my bicycle."
"Why did not you go by train? It would have been easier."
"Not for me. I was in the habit of running down to Taxton-on-Thames on my machine; it is only two hours' run."
"Had you your machine in town?"
"Yes; I had left it at a shop in the Strand where I usually leave it; though sometimes I ride it on to the office in Fleet Street. On this occasion it was in the Strand. As soon as I got the telegram I left my troupe and went off on my bicycle.
"Didn't you wash your face?"
"Not at that time; I was in such a hurry and so anxious to learn what was the matter with Anne, that I did not think of doing so. I rode along until I was recalled to the spectacle I must have presented, by the laughing, and the guying of the boys. Then I thought that I might startle Anne, and I determined to wash myself."
"And did you?"
"Not immediately. On the way to Richmond I had an accident, and the tyre of my back wheel was punctured. The air escaped, and I was over an hour mending it. Then I had to go slowly, and did not get to Richmond till after eight o'clock. I went into the hotel called the Eight Bells, and had a drink and a wash. Then I came out a white man to the astonishment of the barman, and went on down to Taxton-on-Thames. I got there shortly after nine o'clock."
"Didn't you nearly run over a man as you neared the village?"