She tripped away, and in a few minutes Richard came down to stand scowling at him.
“What do you want?” he said, glaring at his rival.
Tom Podmore writhed mentally, and his nerves tingled with the desire to take Richard Glaire by the throat, and shake him till he could not breathe; but he controlled himself, and said sturdily:
“I come to tell thee some ill news.”
“What is it?” said Richard, thrusting his hand into his breast, for his visitor had taken a step forward.
Tom Podmore saw the motion and smiled, but he paid no further heed, and went on bluntly:
“Thou wast going away by train to-night.”
“Who says so?” cried Richard, turning pale.
“The lads out there—Sim Slee’s gang,” said Tom; “and I come to warn thee.”
“Warn me of what?” said Richard.