THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS
my heart. It almost choked me, and I couldn't answer when my partner spoke. Only a little longer could I endure their company.
"Whew! Bob! Look at the time," said the old man. "You'd better think about catching your train. Bob's got to go to town to-night," he added, turning to me. The voice rang now as false as hell.
I looked at the clock and it was nearly half- past ten.
"I am afraid you must put off your journey," I said.
"O damn!" said the young man. I thought you had dropped that rot. I've simply got to go. You can have my address and I'll give any security you like."
"No," I said, "you must stay."
At that I think they must have realised that the game was desperate. Their only chance had been to convince me that I was playing the fool, and that had failed. But the old man spoke again.
"I'll go bail for my nephew. That ought to content you, Mr. Hannay." Was it fancy,
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