“I might be able to. Let’s try it.” There was a pause, while Keating thought. “The truth is,” he said, “it doesn’t matter whether you succeed or not--it’s a story if you even make the attempt. The Coal King’s son appealed to by one of his serfs! The hard heart of Plutocracy rejects the cry of Labour!” “Yes,” said Hal, “but I really mean to get to him. Do you suppose he’s got back to the train yet?” “They were starting to it when I left.” “And where _is_ the train?” “Two or three hundred yards east of the station, I was told.” MacKellar and Edstrom had been listening enthralled to this exciting conversation. “That ought to be just back of my house,” said the former. “It’s a short train--four parlour-cars and a baggage-car,” added Keating. “It ought to be easy to recognise.” The old Scotchman put in an objection. “The difficulty may be to get out of this house. I don’t believe they mean to let you get away to-night.” “By Jove, that’s so!” exclaimed Keating. “We’re talking too much--let’s get busy. Are they watching the back door, do you suppose?” “They’ve been watching it all day,” said MacKellar. “Listen,” broke in Hal--“I’ve an idea. They haven’t tried to interfere with your going out, have they, Mr. Keating?” “No, not yet.” “Nor with you, Mr. MacKellar?” “No, not yet,” said the Scotchman. “Well,” Hal suggested, “suppose you lend me your crutches?” Whereat Keating gave an exclamation of delight. “The very thing!” “I’ll take your over-coat and hat,” Hal added. “I’ve watched you get about, and I think I can give an imitation. As for Mr. Keating, he’s not easy to mistake.” “Billy, the fat boy!” laughed the other. “Come, let’s get on the job!” “I’ll go out by the front door at the same time,” put in Edstrom, his old voice trembling with excitement. “Maybe that’ll help to throw them off the track.” SECTION 11. They had been sitting upstairs in MacKellar’s room. Now they rose, and were starting for the stairs, when suddenly there came a ring at the front door bell. They stopped and stared at one another. “There they are!” whispered Keating. And MacKellar sat down suddenly, and held out his crutches to Hal. “The hat and coat are in the front hall,” he exclaimed. “Make a try for it!” His words were full of vigour, but like Edstrom, his voice was trembling. He was no longer young, and could not take adventure gaily. Hal and Keating ran downstairs, followed by Edstrom. Hal put on the coat and hat, and they went to the back door, while at the same time Edstrom answered the bell in front.