"You have not seen the gentleman?"
"No, sir. He's not in this train. Not been here since you left."
Having satisfied my curiosity by walking along the platform and scrutinising the occupants of every carriage, I returned, and said:
"Find me a first-class compartment, all to myself."
"One here, sir, with the brightest lamp in the whole train."
If mine were the brightest, I pity those who were cursed with the dullest.
"Put it in specially for you, sir."
The lies some people will tell for a few paltry pence! Taking a corner seat, and calling for a foot-warmer, I leaned out of the window, keeping a sharp look-out in case George should turn up on the platform at the last moment.
"I suppose my bro—the gentleman cannot now get to London before me?"
"Not unless he has gone by the other line."