At the same moment a telegraph-boy went shouting through the crowd, "Masterman! Any one of the name of Masterman?"
He took the telegram in silence, conscious of many eyes suddenly turned toward him. It was from Bundy, and read, "Will meet you at Paddington." He was eager to take immediate refuge in the railway carriage. He was conscious that even the telegraph-boy was looking at him curiously. Suddenly he saw moving toward him through the crowd another figure that he thought he recognized—O joy! it was Vickars!
"Vickars!"
"Yes, I learned from Bundy by what boat you'd come. I've a compartment reserved for you. Let us get into it at once."
"O Vickars! that we should meet like this!"
"Come, come, my fellow—no hysterics. You were always brave. Be brave now."
He put his arm through Arthur's, and moved through the crowd with erect head. They were scarcely seated in the carriage when the train began to move.
"And now," said Vickars, "we can talk. In the first place, let me ask you how much do you know of this unhappy business?"
"Nothing but what the papers tell me. I see the trial is to-day."
"This is the third day. By the time we reach London the verdict may be expected."