CHAPTER XXI
OFF!
The sight of the old Jew, his police companion, and von Welten knocked me all to pieces for the moment. We were done. That was a certainty. I could have bluffed the Jew, probably, with the official authority which von Gratzen had given me; but von Welten was what Jimmy Lamb would have called a very different proposition.
"I think I'll have a cigarette," I said; and pulled up to light it and try to think what to do.
"Whatever's the matter, Jack?" whispered Nessa. "Your hand shakes like anything and you're looking awful."
"Nothing to what I'm feeling. I'm afraid it's all up. I can't tell you all about it now. Just shake hands with me and trot back to the waiting-room. If you see me stopped—wait till the train has actually started, of course—make a bee line back to the von Reblings. If it's all right, I'll beckon to you."
"But if there's any trouble why should I leave you in it alone?" she protested, like the brick she was.
"Let me be boss now. If you're with me, you may never get away at all; and if you're not, it may only mean a postponement. Be a good sort. Good-bye, Miss Caldicott;" and I held out my hand.
She took it reluctantly. "I'd rather be with you," she replied with a glance for which I could have kissed her. Then she did as I wished.