It had been a near thing, but so far he had won.

He wished his heart did not beat so fast, and he hoped he did not betray his disorder in his face.

Very deliberately he hunted for his pipe and filled it slowly.

Then he turned to Dobson, "I didn't know you were travelling the day.

What about your oil-cake ?" "I've changed my mind," was the gruff answer.
"Was that you I heard crying on me when we were running for the train ?" "Ay.