Jack uttered a grim laugh.  “Well, find a time-table.  I must go by the first train in the morning, whatever the hour.  I’ve got to see Trevor before he leaves England.”

“You won’t get any sense out of him,” Noel remarked.  “I told him he was a beastly cad myself before he went, and he didn’t even punch my head.  Oh, I say, Jack, this place is pretty ghastly with no one in it.  I can’t stick it much longer.”

“Just get me a drink,” Jack said, “and we will discuss your affairs at length.”

Noel departed with his customary expedition.  He returned with drinks for two, which he proceeded to mix with a lavish hand.

“I’m not going to let you have that,” Jack observed.  “You have dined, and I haven’t.  Get me some food like a good chap, and then we will have a talk.”

Noel submitted meekly.  He was fond of Jack.  Returning with sufficient to satisfy his cousin’s immediate needs, he seated himself on the table while he ate, and embarked upon a more detailed account of the happenings of the past two days.

“I only saw Chris for a few minutes,” he said in conclusion.  “She looked pretty desperate, and seemed horribly scared.  But she wouldn’t tell me why.  I knew there was something up, of course.  Trevor had told me she was upset about Bertrand.  But I had no idea she was going to cut and run.  I don’t know if Trevor had, but I couldn’t get anything out of him.  It’s my belief the silly ass was jealous.”

Jack grunted.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Noel ended.  “So I thought I’d stick on here till someone turned up.”

“You ought to be going back to school,” Jack remarked.

Noel leaned carelessly down upon his elbow and looked him straight in the eyes.  “I’m not going,” he said.

“Why not?”

“I’ve other things to think about.  I’m going to Graysdale.  Can you lend me a couple of quid for the journey?  I’ll pay you back when I come of age.”

Jack surveyed him with one brow uplifted.  “Suppose I can’t?”

“I shall tramp, that’s all.”  Noel made unconcerned response.  He was accustomed to fend for himself, and the prospect of such an adventure was rather alluring than otherwise.

Jack smiled a little.  He liked the boy’s independence.  “What do you want to go to Graysdale for?” he asked.

“To look after Chris, of course.”

“Hilda can do that.”

“Not in the same way.  You needn’t try to put me off.  I’m going.”  Noel got off the table with his hands in his pockets and broke into a whistle.

Jack went on with his meal in silence.

Finally Noel came round and stood beside him.  “That’s understood, is it?” he said.  “One of us ought to be with her, and as you and Rupert are chasing after Trevor, and Max is in town, it looks like my job.  Anyhow, I’m going to take it on.”

“All right,” Jack said.  “Go and prosper.  I’m not sure that you will be wanted.  But that’s a detail.  I daresay Chris may like to have you.”