Yet it was impossible to go through Hebsworth with uncovered head, or to present himself hatless at the office of Legge Brothers.

Already the train was slackening speed to enter the station.

Would any hatter trust him, on his representing whence he came?
He feared not.

Not the least part of his trouble was the thought of having to buy a new hat at all; such an expense was ill to be borne just now.

Of course--he said to himself, with dreary fatalism--a mishap is sure to come at the worst time.