The conductor came through, nodded at him, and passed on.

Hope thought he must be some official of the road, and ventured to break the prolonged silence with a question: "Could you tell me how long it will be before we reach Sheridan ?" She had partially pushed aside her veil in order to speak more clearly, and the man, turning at sound of her voice, took off his hat, his searching eyes quizzical.
"Well, no, I can't, madam," the words coming with a jerk.

"For I'm not at all sure we'll keep the track.

Ought to make it in an hour, however, if everything goes right.

Live in Sheridan ?" She shook her head, uncertain how frankly to answer.
"No loss to you--worst place to live in on earth--no exceptions--I know--been there myself three months--got friends there likely ?" "I hardly know," she acknowledged doubtfully.