On the one hand, Theydon had now a remarkably close insight into the peril which threatened Forbes and each member of his family; the girl, on the other, knew well that her father was bound up in some way with the tragedy at No.

17 Innesmore Mansions.
Nevertheless, an open discussion was out of the question, and the two accepted cheerfully the limitations imposed by circumstances, so that the strangers in the compartment little suspected what grave issues lay behind an apparently casual meeting between a pretty girl and two men that summer's afternoon in the Eastbourne express.
The American played his part admirably.

When not passing some caustically humorous comment on British ways and manners he was being even more critical of his fellow-countrymen.
As he himself put it, he guessed New York society was mighty like London society with the head cut off, and proved his contention with many wise saws and modern instances.
Thus the journey south passed pleasantly enough.

When they alighted the girl reverted to the topic uppermost in her mind.
"You gentlemen will have to look after your luggage," she said.

"I'm sure you will forgive me if I hurry to the hotel.