“ The 4.15 from Victoria to Lewes had been held up at Three Bridgesin consequence of a derailment and, though John Lexman wasfortunate enough to catch a belated connection to Beston Tracey,the wagonette which was the sole communication between the villageand the outside world had gone. "If you can wait half an hour, Mr. Lexman," said thestation-master, "I will telephone up to the village and get Briggsto come down for you."John Lexman looked out upon the dripping landscape and shruggedhis shoulders.”