"But there's eight minutes yet."
"I know," replied the conductor, "but after we are coupled up and it
is time to leave we can't stop to cut this car out. We've got to
have five minutes for that. At five minutes of eight you'll have to
decide whether it is go or stay. I'm sorry--but you'll have to
decide in a minute or two."
"Decide it now," interrupted Alan from the open car door. "We're
going and he'll be here."
The Major appeared to be in doubt as to the wisdom of this, but
before he could say anything Alan continued:
"Couple up whenever you want to, Mr. Conductor, we'll be ready," and
he sprang out of the car, his face set with determination.
By that time the throbbing engine had silently moved up next the car
and two grimy depot men with smoky torches had swung off the
footboard to make the connections.
"Got to know," repeated the sympathetic conductor. "Only five
minutes." He looked at the Major for the final word.
The latter peered down the long almost vacant platform. There was
no one in sight but the late arrivals being helped aboard the cars
in the far end of the station.
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