k; Immediate," suggested Mabel. "Then we could
have gone in the guard's van, and she would have been perfectly easy
about us."

"There's only one outrageous thing that always tempts me," declared
Aldred. "I do so want to pull down the cord, and stop the train!"

"A five pounds penalty if you indulge yourself, my dear."

"If I had five pounds I would, just for the sheer fun of it. All the
people would rush out of the carriages, to see what was the matter. It
would make such a sensation! By the by, how can the guard know who has
pulled the cord? Suppose we simply looked innocent and astonished when
he came to our compartment, he couldn't tell it was either of us; I
don't think he could possibly know."

"As a rule, people only signal to stop in some great emergency, and then
they would be anxious to call for help."

Aldred reached up, and put her hand tentatively on the cord.

"Shall I?"

There was real intention both in her eyes and in her voice.

"No, no! Aldred, stop! How can you think of doing such a dreadful
thing!"

"I was only in fun, you dear goose!" said Aldred, with a rather forced
laugh.

Mabel heaved a sigh of relief.

"Of course you were; what a silly I was to imagine you could be in
earnest! You gave me quite a shock, all the same. I never saw anyone
pretend so cleverly as you."

"Suppose I had pulled it? What would you have said to the guard when he
arrived?"

"Why, naturally I should have told him at once."

"Would you, truly? Are you sure?"

"What else could I have done?" Mabel looked rather puzzled, and
distressed.

"You wouldn't really--and have me fined five pounds?"

Mabel's face suddenly cleared.

"Oh, I understand what you mean!" she cried triumphantly. "No, I
shouldn't have the chance, because you would already have told him
yourself! You naughty girl, how you love to tease me! I'm extremely
stupid at seeing jokes."

"Well, I haven't five pounds to waste, at any rate," replied Aldred,
leaning back in her corner. "If I were a millionaire, I might be
tempted. What's the time? I feel very much inclined to investigate that
basket of lunch."

It was a six hours' run by express to Grassingford, and before they
arrived at Helmsworth Junction the girls grew thoroughly tired of the
journey. They made the lunch spin out as long as possible, ate pears and
chocolates, looked at the illustrated papers, and varied the monotony by
taking little walks up and down the corridor.

"I get