And as the other youth rode off, Henry glanced around once more, nervously.
He was carrying the bamboo stick he affected. He twirled this for a moment, and then wandered out of view.
But soon he reappeared, entered the restaurant and marched straight back to Humphrey's table. His sensitive lips were compressed.
He said, 'Hallo, Hump!' and with only a moment's hesitation took the chair opposite.
Humphrey buried his nose in his coffee cup.
Henry cleared his throat, twice; then, in a husky, weak voice, remarked:—
'Get my note?'
There was a painfully long silence.
'Yes,' Humphrey replied then, 'I did.' And went at the pie.
Henry picked up a corner of the threadbare table-cloth and twisted it. He had been pale, but colour was coming now, richly.