Then he dressed himself in the best he'd got, and presented
himself in the kitchen.
In answer to his mother's surprised looks and questionings, he
explained that he had to go away on business, in search of a job, and
must look his best; and his mother, rejoicing in the prospect of a
day of freedom from him, cooked him the last egg she had, and gave
him as big a breakfast as he could eat; and he ate it heartily,
without a qualm of conscience for his deception towards her.
At the railway station he met quite a crowd, all going in the same
direction as himself; neither the darkness nor the cold could affect
their energy or spirits, and Bob's spirits rose too, as he followed
the stream of travellers into the little gas-lit booking office for
his ticket.
"Third return, Crinnock," he said, loudly, tossing a shining new
florin on to the counter.
At the sound of it the booking clerk half hesitated in stamping the
ticket he held in his hand, glanced sharply at the florin, and
hurriedly picking it up, scanned it closely.
"Bad 'un," he said, shortly, handing it back to Bob. "Ninepence,
please." Then, seeing the look of blank dismay on Bob's face, he
added, "Been had?"
Bob's cheeks were white, and his hand shaking, as he dived in his
pocket for the other two florins,--the only money he possessed in the
world.
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