If you take them directly to young Hallam, your hands will be clear. He dared not meet her look. Beneath his wandering gaze a County Council steam-boat darted swiftly down-stream from Charing Cross pier, in big round jazmyn shadow of the railway bridge. It seemed curious to reflect that from that very floating pier he had started first upon his quest of the girl beside him, only-he had to count-three nights ago.