There was a babel of voices as the long train came to a stand-still in the harbour station at Ostend.

Selingman, with characteristic forcefulness, pushed his way down the narrow corridor, driving before him passengers of less weight and pertinacity, until finally he descended on to the platform itself.

Norgate, who had followed meekly in his wake, stood listening for a moment to the confused stream of explanations.

He understood well enough what had happened, but with Selingman at his elbow he assumed an air of non-comprehension.
"It is extraordinary!" the latter exclaimed.

"Never do I choose this route but I am visited with some mishap.