The few sails requisite to give her steerage fell.

Her anchor-chain rattled, and she swung round with the tide.

The clock struck the half-hour; a boat left the side of the vessel and made straight for the steps near where he was seated.

A tall, noble-looking man sat in the stern-sheets beside the coxswain; he was put ashore, and, after exchanging a few words with the boat's crew, he mounted the steps which led him to Wylie's side, followed by one of the sailors, who carried a portmanteau.
He stood for a single moment on the quay, and stamped his foot on the broad stones; then, heaving a deep sigh of satisfaction, he murmured, "Thank God!" He turned toward Wylie.
"Can you tell me, my man, at what hour the first train starts for London ?" "There is a slow train at 7:30 and an express at 9." "The express will serve me, and give me time for breakfast at the Adelphi.

Thank you; good morning;" and the gentleman passed on, followed by the sailor.
Wylie looked after him; he noted that erect military carriage and crisp, gray hair and thick white mustache; he had a vague idea that he had seen that face before, and the memory troubled him.
At 7:30 Wylie started for London; the military man followed him in the express at 9, and caught him up at Rugby; together they arrived at the station at Euston Square; it was a quarter to three.