fortunately he had chosen the wrong one in his haste, and as he opened
the door he saw a comical vision of a stout little old gentleman huddling
into the farther corner in the most dire consternation.

"Who are you, sir? What do you want, sir?" spluttered the old gentleman.
"If you come any nearer me, sir--one step, sir!--I shall instantly
communicate with the guard! I have no money about me. Go away, sir!"

"I regret to learn that you have no money," replied Mr Bunker,
imperturbably; "but I am sorry that I am not at present in a condition to
offer a loan."

He sat down and smiled amicably, but the little gentleman was not to be
quieted so easily. Seeing that no violence was apparently intended, his
fright changed into respectable indignation.

"You needn't try to be funny with me, sir. You are committing an illegal
act. You have placed yourself in an uncommonly serious position, sir."

"Indeed, sir?" replied Mr Bunker. "I myself should have imagined that by
remaining on the rails I should have been much more seriously situated."

The old gentleman looked at him like an angry small dog that longs to bite
if it only dared.

"What is the meaning of this illegal intrusion?" he demanded. "Who are
you? Where did you come from?"

"I had the misfortune, sir," explained Mr Bunker, politely, "to drop my
hat out of the window of a neighbouring carriage. While I was picking it
up the train started, and I had to enter the first compartment I could
find. I am sorry that my entry frightened you."

"Frightened me!" spluttered the old gentleman. "I am not afraid, sir. I am
an honest man who need fear no one, sir. I do not believe you dropped your
hat. It is perfectly uninjured."

"It may be news to you, sir," replied Mr Bunker, "that by gently yet
firmly passing the sleeve of your coat round your hat in the direction of
the nap, it is possible to restore the gloss. Thus," and suiting the
action to the word he took off his hat, drew his coat-sleeve across it,
and with a genial smile at the old gentleman, replaced it on his head.

But his neighbour was evidently of that truculent disposition which merely
growls at blandishments. He snorted and replied testily, "That is all very
well, sir, but I don't believe a word of it."

"If you prefer it, then, I fell off the telegraph wires in an attempt to
recover my boots."

The old gentleman became purple in the face.

"Have a care, sir! I am a director of this company, and at the