It was at this time that the freight train pulled in. Jim and Barney went outside, carrying their package, and got one look at Alicia. Slim was resting his elbows on the ledge of the ticket window, when Barney tiptoed back inside and nudged Slim.
“C’mere,” he whispered sotto voce. “My ——, Slim, the Queen of Sheber is among us. C’mon.”
Slim followed. Who wouldn’t? Alicia had sat up. The box of soggy chocolates were forgotten. Here was raw material for her to work on. Back in the car she heard her mother say—
“Hundred aces and a hundred and fifty trump.”
Slim moved closer. From the front end of the train came the clatter of couplers as the engine moved ahead. Slim moved closer. Just before the Lake Louise obeyed the impulse of the engine, Alicia’s left eyelid drew down in an unmistakable wink—a very expressive wink.
Barney exploded and clung weakly to Jim Hilton. Slim did not turn his head, but walked slowly to the far edge of the platform, following the departing train. But Alicia did not wink again. She picked up her book, dipped into the chocolates and faded out in the distance.
Slim sighed, turned around and looked into the face of Sadie Thompson. He shuddered. Barney and Jim were watching them.
“So that’s the way you put in your time, is it?” demanded Sadie. “Flirting with every girl you see, eh?”
“I—I wasn’t flirtin’,” denied Slim. “My gosh, Sadie, I never——”
“Yes?” Sadie grew sarcastic. “Didn’t I see that wink? Here!”