At last, however, when it seemed probable we should be left alone together in the counting-house, he took his hat and hurriedly left the office.

I followed him, but so stealthily and nervously that I might have been a highwayman dogging his victim, rather than a friend trying to overtake a friend.
Despite all my caution, he soon became aware of my intention.

At first with a half-glance back he started to walk rapidly away, but then, seeing that I still followed, he stopped short and waited till I came up with him.
Already I was repenting of my determination, and this attitude of his quite disheartened me.
Still I could not draw back now--speak to him I must.
"Oh, Jack," I cried, as I came up.

"It really wasn't my fault--indeed it wasn't.

I only--" He put up his hand to stop me and said, his eyes blazing with indignation as he did so, "You've been a liar and a coward!" He may have been right.