Youve dropped a paper, sir, he said to Dennis, to my utter astonishment, for I had seen no paper dropped. Dennis turned quickly, and picked up a letter which was lying on the platform behind him.
Im very much obliged, sir; thank you, said Dennis, as he put the letter in his pocket.
I never saw you drop that, I exclaimed when we were safely out of earshot. Did you?
There you are, my friend cried triumphantly. You were walking beside me and you didnt spot it, and he was some distance away and he did; and you say he was half asleep.
I say, Den, I exclaimed, laughing, dyou think its going to be safe to travel on this train? I wonder where hes going?
Then we dismissed the man from our minds. The train was going in six minutes, and I joined the crowd round the rug and pillow barrow, and prepared to make myself comfortable. Leaving everything to the last minute, as most travellers do, we had a hurried stirrup-cup in view of the fact that I was about to gang awa, and as the train glided out of the station Dennis turned to wire for my breakfast-basket at Crianlarich. The one thing that it is important to do when travelling on the West Highland Railway I had forgotten! We had not passed Potters Bar before I decided that it would be impossible to sleep, so I ferreted out the attendant and bribed him to put me into a first-class carriage. Better still, he showed me into a sleeper. I was dog-tired, and in ten minutes fell fast asleep. I awoke for a moment or two as the train snorted into a station and drew up. I dozed again for some time, and then the door of my sleeper opened and who should look in but the American.
Say, I beg your pardon, he exclaimed apologetically. My mistake.
Not at all, I replied. Where are we now? For the train was still standing.
Edinburgh, he answered. Just leaving. Sorry to disturb you.
I again assured him that there was no harm done, and he turned and left me, the tassels of his Jaeger dressing-gown trailing after him. Then I fell asleep again, and woke up as we left Whistlefield. I had finished my wretched ablutions for an early morning wash on a train is always a wretched business as we reached Crianlarich. I was not long in claiming my breakfast; and when the passengers in the refreshment-room had finished their coffee which seems to be the time when the train is due to leave, and not vice-versâ, as might be expected the guard was standing on the platform, flag in hand, on the point of blowing his whistle. Suddenly the head of the American shot out of the window of his carriage no other expression describes it.
Say, conductor, he exclaimed angrily, wheres my breakfast?
Surely Dennis had been right about the nationality.
What name might it be, sir? asked the guard.
Hilderman J. G. Hilderman. Ordered by telegraph.
Ill see, sir, said the guard, dashing into the refreshment-room. It did not seem to matter when the train started; but, after a further heated argument, in which the official refused to wait while a couple of eggs were being fried, Mr. Hilderman was supplied with a pot of coffee, some cold ham, and dried toast, and we recommenced our belated journey. I reached Fort William and changed on to the Mallaig train, as did Mr. Hilderman, on whom, after the breakfast episode, I had begun to look with an affectionate and admiring regard. The man who can keep a train waiting in Great Britain while the guard gets him his breakfast must be very human after all. Most of the way on the beautiful journey through Lochaber I leaned with my head out of the window, drinking in the gorgeous air and admiring the luxurious scenery of the mountain side. But, in view of the hilly nature of the track and the quality of the coal employed, it is always a dangerous adventure on the West Highland Railway, and presently I found myself with a big cinder in my eye. I was trying to remove the cause of my discomfort, and at the same time swearing softly, I am afraid, when Hilderman came up.
I guess Im just the man youre looking for, he said. Show me.
In less time than it takes to tell the offending cinder was removed, and I was amazed at the delicacy and certainty of his touch. I thanked him profusely, and indeed I was really grateful to him. Naturally enough, we fell into conversation the easy, broad conversation of two men who have never seen each other before and expect never to see each other again, but are quite willing to be friends in the meantime.
Terrible news, this, he said presently, pulling a copy of the Glasgow Herald from his pocket. I suppose you got it at Fort William?
No, I said. I didnt leave the train. I wasnt thinking of newspapers. What is it?
A state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany as from twelve oclock last night.
Ah! said I. It has come, then. And I was surprised that I had forgotten all about the war, which was actually the cause of my presence there. I noticed with some curiosity that Hilderman looked out of the window with a strangely tense air, his lips firmly pressed together, his eyes wide open and staring. He was certainly awake now. But in a moment he turned to me with a charming smile.
You know, Im an American, he said. But this hits me hits me hard. Theres a calm and peaceful, friendly hospitality about this island of yours that I like like a lot. My own country reminds me too much of my own struggles for existence. For nearly forty years I fought for breath in America, and, but that I like now and again to run over and have a look round, you can keep the place as far as Im concerned. Ive been about here now for a good many years not just this part, for this is nearly new to me, but about the country and I feel that this is my quarrel, and I should like to have a hand in it.
Perhaps America may join in yet, I suggested.
Not she, he cried, with a laugh. America! Not on your life. Why, shes afraid of civil war. She dont know which of her own citizens are her friends and which aint. Shes tied hand and foot. She cant even turn round long enough to whip Mexico. Dont you ever expect America to join in anything except family prayer, my boy. Thats safe. You know where you are, and it dont matter if you dont agree about the wording of a psalm. If an American was told off to shoot a German, hed ten to one turn round and say: Here, hold on a minute; thats my uncle!
You think all the Germans in the States prefer their fatherland to their adopted country, or are they most of them spies?
Spies? said Hilderman, I dont believe in spies. It stands to reason there cant be much spying done in any country. Over here, for instance, for every German policeman in this country for thats all a spy can be there are about a thousand British policemen. What chance has the spy? You dont seriously believe in them, do you? he added, smiling, as he offered me a Corona cigar.
I dont know, I said doubtfully. I didnt want to argue with my good Samaritan. There is no doubt a certain amount of spying done; but, of course, our policemen are hardly trained to cope with it. I daresay the whole business is very greatly exaggerated.
You bet it is, my boy, he replied emphatically. Going far? he asked, suddenly changing the subject.
North of Loch Hourn, I answered.
Oh! said Hilderman, with renewed interest. Glenelg?
I take the boat to Glenelg and then drive back, I explained. I was in a mood to tell him just where I was going, and why, and all about myself; but I recollected, with an effort, that I was talking to a total stranger.
You bet it is, my boy, he replied emphatically. Going far? he asked, suddenly changing the subject.
North of Loch Hourn, I answered.
Oh! said Hilderman, with renewed interest. Glenelg?
I take the boat to Glenelg and then drive back, I explained. I was in a mood to tell him just where I was going, and why, and all about myself; but I recollected, with an effort, that I was talking to a total stranger.
Drive back? he repeated after me, with a sudden return to his dreamy manner. Then, just as suddenly, he woke up again. Where are we now? he asked.
Passing over Morar bridge, I explained.
Dear me yes, of course! he exclaimed, with a glance out of the window. Well, I must pack up my wraps. Good-bye, Mr. Ewart; Im so glad to have met you. Your countrys at war, and you look to me a very likely young man to do your best. Well, good-bye and good luck. I only wish I could join you.
I wish you could, I replied heartily. I shall certainly do my best. And many thanks for your kind assistance.
And so we parted, and returned to our respective compartments to put our things together; for our journey the rail part of it, at any rate was nearly over. And it was not until long afterwards that I realised that he had called me by my name, and I had never told him what it was.
CHAPTER III.
MAINLY ABOUT MYRA
The train slowed down into Mallaig station. I thrilled with anticipation, for now I had only the journey on the boat, and Myra would be waiting for me at Glenelg. The train had hardly stopped when I seized my bag and jumped out on to the platform. The next instant I was nearly knocked back into the carriage again. A magnificent Great Dane had jumped at me with a deep bark of flattering welcome, and planted his paws on my shoulders.
Sholto, my dear old man! I cried in excitement, dropping my bag and looking round expectantly. It was Myras dog, and there, sure enough, was a beautiful vision of brown eyes and brown-gold hair, in a heather-coloured Burberry costume, running down the platform to meet me.
Well darling? I said, as I met her half-way.
Well? she whispered, as she took my hand, and I looked into the depths of those wonderful eyes. Truly I was a lucky dog. The world was a most excellent place, full of delightful people; and even if I were an impecunious young barrister I was richer than Crœsus in the possession of those beautiful brown eyes, which looked on all the world with the gentle affection of a tender and indulgent sister, but which looked on me with Oh! hang it all! a fellow cant write about these sort of things when they affect him personally. Besides, they belong to me thank God!
I got your telegram, dear, said Myra, as we strolled out of the station behind the porter who had appropriated my bag. Sholto brought up the rear. He had too great an opinion of his own position to be jealous of me or at any rate he was too dignified to show it and he had always admitted me into the inner circle of his friendship in a manner that was very charming, if not a little condescending.
Did you, darling? I said, in reply to Myras remark.
Yes; it was delivered first thing this morning, and father was very pleased about it.
Really! I exclaimed. I am glad. I was afraid he might be rather annoyed.
I was a little bit surprised myself, she confessed, though Im sure I dont know why I should be. Dads a perfect dear he always was and he always will be. But he has been very determined about our engagement. When I told him youd wired you were coming he was tremendously pleased. He kept on saying, Im glad; thats good news, little woman, very good news. Pon my soul Im doocid glad! He said you were a splendid fellow I cant think what made him imagine that but he said it several times, so I suppose he had some reason for it. I was frightfully pleased. I like you to be a splendid fellow, Ron!
I was very glad to hear that the old General was really pleased to hear of my visit. I had intended to stay at the Glenelg Hotel, as I could hardly invite myself to Invermalluch Lodge, even though I had known the old man all my life. Accordingly I took it as a definite sign that his opposition was wearing down when Myra told me I was expected at the house.
And he said, she continued, that he never heard such ridiculous nonsense as your saying you were coming to the hotel, and that if you preferred a common inn to the house that had been good enough for him and his fathers before him, you could stop away altogether. So there!
Good thats great! I said enthusiastically. But did you come over by the boat from Glenelg, or what?
No, dear; I came in the motor-boat, so we dont need to hang about the pier here. We can either go straight home or wait a bit, whichever you like. I wanted to meet you, and I thought youd rather come back with me in the motor-boat than jolt about in the stuffy old Sheila.
Rather, dear; I should say I would, said I and a lot more besides, which has nothing to do with the story. Suddenly Myras motherly instinct awoke.
Have you had breakfast? she asked.
Yes, dear at Crianlarich. The only decent meal to be got on a railway in this country is a Crianlarich breakfast.
Well, in that case youre ready for lunch. Its gone twelve. I could do with something myself, incidentally, and I want to talk to you before we start for home. Lets have lunch here.
I readily agreed, and after calling Sholto, who was being conducted on a tour of inspection by the parsons dog, we strolled up the hill to the hotel. As we entered the long dining-room we came upon Hilderman, seated at one of the tables with his back to us.
Yes, he was saying to the waiter, I have been spending the week-end on the Clyde in a yacht. I joined the train at Ardlui this morning, and I can tell you
I didnt wait to hear any more. Rather by instinct than as a result of any definite train of thought, I led Myra quickly behind a Japanese screen to a small table by a side window. After all, it was no business of mine if Hilderman wished to say he had joined the train at Ardlui. He probably had his own reasons. Possibly Dennis was right, and the man was a detective. But I had seen him at Kings Cross and again at Edinburgh before we reached Ardlui, so I thought it might embarrass him if I walked in on the top of his assertion that he had just come from the Clyde. However, Myra was with me, which was much more important, and I dismissed Hilderman and his little fib from my mind.
Ronnie, said Myra, in the middle of lunch, you havent said anything about the war.
No, dear, I answered clumsily. It It was an astonishingly difficult thing to say when it came to saying it.
And yet that was what you came to see me about?
Yes, darling. You see, I
I know, dear. Youve come to tell me that youre going to enlist. Im glad, Ronnie, very glad and very, very proud.
Myra turned away and looked out of the window.
I hate people who talk a lot about their duty, I said; but it obviously is my duty, and I know thats what you would want me to do.
Of course, dear, I wouldnt have you do anything else. And she turned and smiled at me, though there were tears in her dear eyes. And I shall try to be brave, very brave, Ronnie. Im getting a big girl now, she added pluckily, attempting a little laugh. And though, of course, we afterwards discussed the regiment I was to join, and how the uniform would suit me, and how you kept your buttons clean, and a thousand other things, that was the last that was said about it from that point of view. There are some people who never need to say certain things or at any rate there are some things that never need be said between certain people.