rk as the match went out.

Rallywood felt for the lamp above his head, for in Maasau the trains are
lighted by oil lanterns let in over the doors. Finding it, he broke the
glass with the butt of his revolver and lit the wick; then he turned for
a closer examination of the man who had come to him in so strange a
manner. But the manner pointed to the fact that this must be the
prisoner he was told to hold at Kofn Ford until to-morrow. Politics are
apt to work out to curious issues in continental railways. Such things
have happened many times, though they are not often noised abroad. The
man lay with one arm thrown across the seat and his face buried in it.
He was a big man, and a fringe of white hair showed under the back of
his travelling cap above a crease of fleshy neck.

'Counsellor!'

For an instant Rallywood turned sick and his head felt light. He
remembered feeling the same sensation years before, when a heavy
opponent sat abruptly down on his chest in a football scrimmage. His
hands shook as he lifted the inert figure on to the cushions and scanned
the face, sticky and disfigured with blood. After forcing some brandy
from his flask down Counsellor's throat and unloosing his collar,
Rallywood opened the window wide to let the cold air blow in upon him,
and fired two shots from his revolver in rapid succession out into the
night. They must have help, for the down mail was already at Alfau.

By this time, Counsellor, grunting and swearing, had got himself up on
his elbow and stared at the young man with vacant eyes.

'Where the deuce have I got to? Is that you, John? By heaven, I
remember!' His fingers went groping weakly to his breast, then with a
groan he struggled to his feet. 'The ruffians have robbed me!'

But the effort exhausted him; he sank back putting his hands to his
head.

'I don't understand this. What has happened? John, where am I?'

Rallywood explained hurriedly.

'We're on the up line, Major. Have another pull at my flask, and see if
you can get to the Ford block-house. The night mail will be on us
directly. Ah, there are the men,' as a stolid sergeant thrust his
weather-beaten face in at the door.

Rallywood gave the necessary orders rapidly, then turned to the Major.

'Are you badly hurt? Do you think you can ride?' said he.

'Ride! of course I can ride. How far is it to Revonde?'

Rallywood put his arm round him, and helped him very tenderly from the
carriage.

Counsellor stood up