I was to have gone by the boat train which left half an hour ago.

I had taken a seat, and they assured me that the train would not leave for at least ten minutes, as the mails weren't in.

I went down the platform to buy some papers and stood talking for a moment or two with a man whom I know.

I suppose I must have been longer than I thought, or they must have been quicker than they expected with the mailbags.

Anyhow, when I came back the train was moving.