He had said the thing which roused sharp anger in Barouche.
It told Barouche that Denzil knew where he was going and why. Anger shook
him as he saw Denzil take out his watch.
"The poll closes in three minutes, m'sieu'," Denzil added with a dry
smile, for it was clear Barouche could not reach the station in time, if
the train left promptly. The swiftest horses could not get him there, and
these were not the days of motor-cars. Yet it was plain Barouche meant to
stick to it, and he promptly said:
"You haven't the right time, beetle. The poll closes only when the train
leaves, and your watch doesn't show that, so don't put on airs yet."
"I'll put on airs if I've won, m'sieu'," Denzil answered quietly, for he
saw people in the tram were trying to hear.
Barouche had been recognized, and a murmur of cheering began, followed by
a hum of disapproval, for Barouche had lost many friends since Carnac had
come into the fray. A few folk tried to engage Barouche in talk, but he
responded casually; yet he smiled the smile which had done so much for
him in public life, and the distance lessened to the station. The tram
did not go quite to the station, and as it stopped, the two men hurried
to the doors.
Pages:
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247