But he _had_--under an 'alias.' And he made the devil's own row about it with the editor, who nearly died of it, being inclined to apoplexy--and between the two of them I was 'dropped.' Then the word ran along the press wires that I was an 'unsafe' man.

I could not get any post worth having--I had saved just twenty pounds--so I took it all and walked away from London--literally _walked_ away! I haven't spent a penny in other locomotion than my own legs since I left Fleet Street." Helmsley listened with eager interest.

Here was a man who had done the very thing which he himself had started to do;--"tramped" the road.
But--with what a difference! Full manhood, physical strength, and activity on the one side,--decaying power, feebleness of limb and weariness on the other.

They had entered the village street by this time, and were slowly walking up it together.
"You see,"-- went on Reay,--"of course I could have taken the train--but twenty pounds is only twenty pounds--and it must last me twelve solid months.

By that time I shall have finished my work." "And what's that ?" asked Helmsley.
"It's a book.