The three girls, who disliked pushing among a rough assembly, stood on one side to let the people pass by.

There was no hurry now, and no object to be gained by forcing their way ahead.

Last of all, therefore, they presented themselves at the gate.
"Tickets, please!" repeated the collector automatically.
All three felt in their pockets, but felt in vain.

Return tickets and purses were alike missing, and even penknives and handkerchiefs had vanished, Ingred's pocket, indeed, was neatly turned inside out.

Here was a dilemma! They had evidently been robbed on the stairs by a professional thief, who had appropriated all their portable belongings.
In utter consternation they looked at one another.
"We've lost our tickets!" faltered Beatrice.
"They've been stolen!" added Ingred.
"Do please let us through!" entreated Verity.
In ordinary circumstanced the collector would no doubt have listened to the girl's story, and taken them to interview the station-master, but to-day he had to do double duty, and could scarcely cope with the extra work.