newcomer's were wide asunder, as also were their experiences. It was the
elder man who asked most of the questions, the younger who was
responsible for the answers. But they found a bond of union in a
Pepysian interest in the novel and unusual, though each approached it
from a different standpoint. Tony was a master of external knowledge and
sought for something fresh; the other, a babe, welcomed the stalest
facts as discoveries from a new world.

"I wish," he said, and with a sigh, "that we were going to travel
together for a while." Tony's heart leaped. "You are an interesting
young man ... but no! that is impossible--it would never do."

Tony did not reply. He felt sure that the fish was almost hooked, but he
did not wish to spoil things by seeming too eager. But he resolved that
ere the journey came to an end he would land his fish and spend a few
days in his company. He did not think there would be a slackening of the
interest: if there were, why, he could easily go back to town.
Meanwhile----

The train pulled up.

"Hallo!" said the elderly man. "This train is billed as a non-stop to
Shereling. Why on earth----"

He leaned out of the window and beckoned the guard.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"The strike," the guard answered. "You see, sir, there are ten or
fifteen thousand men on strike here just now, and it seems they've got a
little out of 'and."

"But what," asked Tony's companion, effectually filling the
window,--"what has that to do with the trains? Why----"

"You see, sir," continued the guard with an apologetic air, "they've got
a bit out of 'and. I don't know the rights of it--they do say they're
underpaid, though the employers say they spend their wages on
whippet-racing. Anyway, they're out----"

"But the _railway_, man. What----"

The guard coughed.

"Some of them's a bit 'asty, sir, likewise uncontrollable. It seems that
they broke into the publics about midnight and 'ave been making a night
of it, so to speak. They've sent for the soldiers, but they 'aven't
arrived yet. And they've tore up some of the track. The breakdown gang
is repairing it, but it will be an hour or so before we can get on."

"D'you hear that?"

"Rather," said Tony, getting up. "Let's go and have a look. I've never
seen a raging mob."

"Better not, sir," advised the guard. "The town's not safe."

"They may listen to me," said Tony with simple grandeur. He turned to
his companion. "Do you feel like playin