Gilbert dismissed the fly-man and his vehicle at last, thoroughly wearied out with that morning's work.
He went to one of the hotels, took a hasty breakfast, and then hurried off to the offices belonging to the owners of the _Oronoco_.
That vessel had started for New York at nine o'clock on the previous morning, and John Saltram had gone with her.

His name was the last on the list of passengers; he had only taken his passage an hour before the steamer left Liverpool, but there his name was in black and white.

The names of Percival Nowell, and of Mrs.Holbrook, his daughter, were also in the list.

The whole business was clear enough, and there was nothing more that Gilbert could do.

Had John Saltram been strong and well, his friend would have felt nothing but satisfaction in the thought that he was going in the same vessel with Marian, and would without doubt bring her back in triumph.