In the thunderous applause that followed the impassioned harangue Tony slipped his arms through Mr. Hedderwick's, and they were allowed to make good their escape. They walked in silence till they were clear of the crowd, and then Robert paused.
"Mr. Wild, you were simply splendid!" he said in awestruck tones. "You're one of the best chaps I've ever met."
"Not a bad effort, was it? But, by jove! I was in a funk half the time."
"So was I," confessed Robert. "I began to think I might have to use this." He pulled a revolver out of his pocket and showed it. Tony crowed with pure joy.
"Good lord, man! You've got a _pistol_! How perfectly splendid! What on earth do you carry a pistol for? Do tell me--_please_!"
Mr. Hedderwick walked on in silence for a minute, evidently weighing some problem. Presently he gave a gulp of decision.
"Mr. Wild," he said, "I haven't known you very long, but I seem to have known you for years. What I've seen has interested me--impressed me, and I like you. You know a little about me, that I'm off for a holiday on unusual lines, but unless you agree to my proposal I shan't tell you any more. You, it appears, are a free agent, young, with nothing to do. I think we might enjoy ourselves much more together than apart. In any case, if we found it didn't suit we could separate. If you feel like adventuring for a few days I think there may be a little fun. I can't promise it, but I think so. If you agree, I'll tell you the rest when we get to The Happy Heart."
"One question," said Tony, "and don't be offended. Do you want any money?"
Mr. Hedderwick thought for a moment and frowned. Then he smiled.
"I have two and eightpence in my pocket," he said frankly. "I came out in a hurry. I could get more if I wanted, but I don't mean to try, for I have no wish to be traced yet. I'm not a cadger or a confidence-trickster. If you care to finance me till we return, so much the better for me. If not, well, I'll do without and rough it somehow. I don't mean to miss my holiday."
Tony smiled. This Hedderwick seemed an admirable fellow.
"What and where is The Happy Heart?" he asked.
"An inn at Shereling where I mean to stay."
"Forward, then, to The Happy Heart. I wish I'd bagged some boots, too. These pumps are simply cruel."