Ern was standing up now, forgetful of concealment. As the car swept by, Alf saw him and made a mocking downward motion with his hand, as of one pressing to earth an enemy struggling to his feet.
Ern was aware of it, of the look on Alf's face, of the two in the car.
They did not see him. The Captain was bending over Ruth, buttoning the fur coat round her throat.
Just then there rang through the silence a dreadful cry as of evil triumphant.
A peacock in the wood had screamed.
CHAPTER XLII
THE CAPTAIN'S FLIGHT
That night Ernie was on late lift-duty.
He was just about to lock the lift when the missing Captain came striding across the empty hall with a peremptory finger raised.
"You're late, sir," said Ernie, unlocking grudgingly.