"When do you depart from Aachen?" he asked.
"By the first train for Brussels. I am told that it will arrive in about half an hour."
"Very well," said the other. "I regret if I have seemed insistent, but the fact that the lady did not arrive with you appeared to us singular. I will report your explanation to my chief," and he turned on his heel and stalked away, followed by his men.
Stewart drew a deep breath.
"Well," he began, when he was stopped by a sharp tap from his companion's foot.
"Such impudence!" she cried. "I was astonished at your patience, Tommy! You, an American, letting a Prussian policeman intimidate you like that! I am ashamed of you!"
Glancing around, Stewart saw the hang-dog Hans hovering in the doorway.
"He was a big policeman, my dear," he explained, laughing. "I shouldn't have had much of a chance with him, to say nothing of his two men. If we want to get to Brussels, the safest plan is to answer calmly all the questions the German police can think of. But it is time for us to be going. There will be no reserved seats on this train!"
"You are right," agreed his companion; "I am quite ready."
So he asked for the bill, paid it, sent Hans up for the luggage, and presently they were walking toward the station, with Hans staggering along behind.