The young Canadian is not subtle; as a rule, his talk is direct, and at awkward moments he is generally marked by a frank gravity.

Vernon was grave now and Lister thought he pondered.

He had not known Vernon long, but he felt one could trust him.
"I met a girl on board the train," he said.

"She was keen about getting away from Shillito." "Why did she want to get away ?" "I don't know.

Looked as if she was afraid of him.