'Well, you can't go to Chesterham to-night,' was the answer. 'Where's your ticket?'
Jimmy felt in his pocket for his purse, and opening it took out his ticket.
'You'd better come to speak to the station-master,' said the porter; and Jimmy, feeling more frightened than ever, followed him to a small room, where a tall red-bearded man sat writing at a table which seemed to be covered all over with papers. When Jimmy entered with the porter the station-master rose and stood with his back to the fire, whilst the porter began to explain.
'You can't get to Chesterham without going back to Meresleigh,' said the station-master presently. 'Chesterham is on a different line, and there is no train to-night.'
'Then what am I to do?' asked Jimmy, turning very pale.
'That's just what I should like to know!' was the answer. 'But you can't get back to Meresleigh until to-morrow morning, that's certain.'
'But where shall I sleep?' cried Jimmy.
'How was it you got out of the train at Meresleigh?' asked the station-master.
'You see,' faltered Jimmy nervously, 'there was an accident to the engine and we all got out.'
'Then why didn't you get in again?'