“There is no use in delay,” he said. “It has always been my habit to do quickly what had to be done, and I am getting too old to change my habits. If you must walk the plank, walk it, and get it over.”
The girl did not urge him further, but kissed him and said, “Good-night.” He saw her into the hansom, and told the cabman to drive to Waterloo. At the first turning Edna pushed up the little trap-door in the roof of the cab.
“Do you know where the headquarters of the strikers are?” she asked.
“Yes, miss. At the Salvation Hall, miss.”
“Well, drive me there as quickly as you can.”
The cabby turned his horse and in a short time was making his way through the crowd of men who were gathering from all quarters to the meeting. He drew up at the kerb in front of the hall. Edna stepped out, flushing as she saw the men looking curiously at her. She said to one:
“Where can I find Mr. Marsten?”
“He’s in his room at the back of the ’all, ma’am. This wye, ma’am. I’ll show you the door.”
Edna followed the man down the long, narrow passage at the side of the hall.
“For God’s sake, mates, what’s the meaning of this?” cried Gibbons, in amazement, taking his pipe out of his mouth.