At this moment the elderly gentleman with brown top-coat and spectacles bustled up to the carriage, recognised his rug, and claimed it, with a good deal of fuss and noise.
“Where are you travelling to?” demanded Blunt, with a touch of sarcasm in his tone.
Poor Gurwood’s countenance fell. He became somewhat pale, and said, in a much less resolute voice, “You have no right to ask that question; but since you suspect me, I may tell you that I am going to Langrye.”
“Show your ticket,” said the guard, looking in at that moment.
A glance showed the unhappy youth that Captain Lee was regarding him with surprise and Emma with intense pity. Desperation gave him courage. He turned abruptly to the captain, and said—
“I regret deeply, sir, that we part with such a foul suspicion hanging over me. Come,” he added sternly to Blunt, “I will go with you, and shall soon prove myself innocent.”
He leaped to the platform, closely accompanied by Blunt.
“Where do you intend to take me?” he asked, turning to his guardian, whom he now knew to be a detective.
“Here, step this way,” said Blunt, leading his prisoner towards the rear of the train.
“Such a nice-looking young man, too, who’d ’ave thought it!” whispered one of the many heads that were thrust out at the carriage-windows to look at him as he passed.