Passengers were gathering up their hand luggage. The children did not see Mr. Piff anywhere.
“He must have taken an earlier train,” declared Miss Gordon anxiously. “I’m afraid we have missed him.”
“I’ll look in the depot,” offered Vevi.
“You don’t need to!” cried Connie excitedly. “There he comes now!”
Mr. Piff had left the building and was walking directly toward the group.
Suddenly he saw the Brownies with Mr. Van Der Lann, and stopped short. He turned as if to move in the opposite direction.
“Wait!” called the nurseryman.
Mr. Piff reluctantly obeyed the command.
“Well?” he demanded. “What do you want?”
The train now was very close. Mr. Van Der Lann knew he would have to talk fast.