But Dudley had made up his mind. He did not want Max to go with him, but he was resolved to go to the wharf. And his friend's heart failed within him at the news.
"Don't you think it would be advisable to get a policeman to accompany you?" he hazarded in a low voice.
But Dudley started violently at the suggestion.
"Policeman!" repeated he in a louder tone than Max had used. "Good heavens, no!"
Max, looking round, saw that Carrie had overheard; but she betrayed no emotion at the suggestion, even if she felt any.
Dudley pulled out his watch.
"I have an appointment for this evening," said he; "I must get out of it. Max, if you persist in going with me to the wharf, you're a fool. When your friends are doing well, you should stick to them; when they have got into a mess, you should have appointments elsewhere." Although he spoke cynically, there was underneath his scoffing tone a strain of tenderness. He turned quickly to the girl at this point, as if afraid of betraying more feeling than he had intended to do. "You've delivered your message," said he, sharply, "now you can go."
But Carrie lingered. Looking shyly at Max, she said in a low voice:
"Have you made up your mind that you will go with him?"
"Yes," said Max.