I needn't go," said Pinney, and his face burned.

He was full of nervous trepidation at the start, and throughout the
journey he was anxious and perturbed, while on Northwick, after the
first excitement, a deep quiet, a stupor, or a spiritual peace, seemed
to have fallen.

"By George!" said Pinney, when they started, "anybody to see us would
think _you_ were taking _me_ back." He was tenderly watchful of
Northwick's comfort; he left him free to come and go at the stations;
from the restaurants he bought him things to tempt his appetite; but
Northwick said he did not care to eat.

They had a long night in a day-car, for they found there was no sleeper
on their train. In the morning, when the day broke, Northwick asked
Pinney what the next station was.

Pinney said he did not know. He looked at Northwick as if the possession
of him gave him very little pleasure, and asked him how he had slept.

"I haven't slept," said Northwick. "I suppose I'm rather excited. My
nerves seem disordered."

"Well, of course," said Pinney, soothingly.

They were silent a moment, and then Northwick asked, "What did you say
the next station was?"

"I'll ask the brakeman." They could see the brakeman on the platform.
Pinney went out to him, and returned. "It's Wellwater, he says. We get
breakfast there."

"Then we're over the line, now," said Northwick.

"Why, yes," Pinney admitted, reluctantly. He added, in a livelier note,
"You get a mighty good breakfast at Wellwater, and I'm ready to meet it
half way." He turned, and looked hard at Northwick. "If I should happen
to get left there, what would you do? Would you keep on, anyway? Is your
mind still made up on that point? I ask, because all kinds of accidents
happen, and--" Pinney stopped, and regarded his captive fixedly. "Or if
you don't feel quite able to travel--"

"Let me see your warrant again," said Northwick.

Pinney relaxed his gaze with a shrug, and produced the paper. Northwick
read it all once more. "I'm your prisoner," he said, returning the
paper. "You can put the handcuffs on me now."

"No, no, Mr. Northwick!" Pinney pleaded. "I don't want to do that. I'm
not afraid of your trying to get away. I assure you it isn't necessary
between gentlemen."

Northwick held out his wrists. "Put them on, please."

"Oh, well, if I _must_!" protested Pinney. "But I _swear_ I won't lock
'em." He glanced round to find whether any of the other passengers were
noticing. "You can sli