第40章

A porter, standing with his back towards the racing boy, had knocked his feet from under him. But as he fell, a strong hand grabbed him, and dragged him to safety through the window.

Pale and shaking, the three friends waited for the car door to be opened, and as Rob issued in triumphant possession of his friend, Miss Brodie rushed at him and, seizing him in her strong grasp, cried:

"You heartless young rascal! You nearly killed me--not to speak of yourself! Here," she continued, throwing her arms about him, and giving him a loud smack, "take that for your punishment! Do you hear, you nearly killed me! I had a vision of your mangled form ground up between the wheels and the platform. Hold on, you can't get away from me! I have a mind to give you another!"

"Oh, Miss Brodie, please," pleaded Cameron, coming forward to Rob's rescue, "I assure you I was partly to blame; it is only fair I should share his punishment."

"Indeed," cried Miss Brodie, the blood coming back into her cheeks that had been white enough a moment before, "if it were not for your size, and your--looks, I should treat you exactly the same, though not with the same intent, as our friend Mr. Rae would say.

You did that splendidly!"

"Alas! for my size," groaned Cameron--he was in great spirits--"and alas! for my ugly phiz!"

"Who said 'ugly'?" replied Miss Brodie. "But I won't rise to your bait. May I introduce you to my uncle, Sir Archibald Brodie, who has a little business with you?"

"Ah! Mr. Cameron," said that gentleman, "that was extremely well done. Indeed, I can hardly get back my nerve--might have been an ugly accident. By the way, Sir," taking Cameron aside, "just a moment. You are on your way to Canada? I have a letter which I thought might be of service to you. It is to a business friend of mine, a banker, in Montreal, Mr. James Ritchie. You will find him a good man to know, and I fancy glad to serve any--ah--friend of mine."

On hearing Sir Archibald's name, Cameron's manner became distinctly haughty, and he was on the point of declining the letter, when Sir Archibald, who was quick to observe his manner, took him by the arm and led him somewhat further away.

"Now, Sir, there is a little matter I wish to speak of, if you will permit. Indeed, I came specially to say how delighted I am that the--ah--recent little unpleasantness has been removed. Of course you understand my responsibility to the Bank rendered a certain course of action imperative, however repugnant. But, believe me, I am truly delighted to find that my decision to withdraw the--ah--action has been entirely justified by events. Delighted, Sir!

Delighted! And much more since I have seen you."

Before the overflowing kindliness of Sir Archibald's voice and manner, Cameron's hauteur vanished like morning mist before the rising sun.

"I thank you, Sir Archibald," he said, with dignity, "not only for this letter, but especially for your good opinion."

"Very good! Very good! The letter will, I hope, be useful," replied Sir Archibald, "and as for my opinion, I am glad to find not only that it is well founded, but that it appears to be shared by most of this company here. Now we must get back to your party.

But let me say again, I am truly glad to have come to know you."