Durant, cynical enough about most things from his years of bitter struggle with the world, believed in luck. Luck, and no doing of his, had brought him his present affluence. Luck had brought him into contact with Helen Glincka; luck had shown him her story, had given him the chance to serve her. And now, as the boat-train roared on Londonward, luck suddenly bobbed up with the most amazing twist of all.
“Another three-quarters of an hour,” said Larson, glancing at his watch. “Hm! Fifteen years since I’ve been in England, and it looks the same—the same—”
The man’s face changed suddenly. His words died. He jerked his hat a little lower, then turned, staring from the window. Durant blinked at him, wondering at his manner, wondering at the odd something about the man. Then he glanced up.
Outside their compartment door was standing a man, looking in. An ordinary Englishman, clipped gray mustache, lounge-suit, square chin, heavy-lidded eyes—only the eyes were not ordinary, for they were the eyes of one who gives orders. A retired army man, perhaps.
He pushed open the door, and came in. His gaze swept Durant, seemed to comprehend him at once, went on to Larson. Durant moved over to make room—the man had come in to smoke, no doubt, as this was a smoker, and the train was fairly full. Next instant, however, Durant realized his mistake. Upon the little compartment settled an atmosphere tense and terrible.
Sitting opposite Larson, the Englishman produced a cigarette and lighted it, indeed—but his eyes were fastened upon Larson, with a grimly humorous expression. Larson gazed at him blankly an instant, then looked away, yet with an effort.
“A bit older, old chap, aren’t you?” said the Englishman suddenly. “I fancy we both are, what? Fifteen years—devilish long time, eh?”
Coming so soon after Larson’s remark, these words startled Durant, showed him something lay under the surface here. And in the eyes of Larson, he saw it was tragedy.
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” said Larson.
The Englishman laughed, and at the sound of it, Durant stiffened.