He looked at my uniform, and it is no exaggeration to say that his eyes bulged. I saw him reach across and pluck Evelyn by the arm. "For God's sake, look," Stone said, "he's disguised again."
The crafty voice was persisting beside me. "Why don't you search him?" it hissed. "Maybe he's got a gun. Here, I'll run and call another p'iceman"
While I ordered the crowd to stand back, I made a gesture towards Evelyn which I hope she interpreted as a warning to stay where she was until I could get out of this. If I bolted for the train now, the fat would be in the fire and I should be caught. On the other hand, the train must be almost ready to pull out. From the corner of my eye I saw a harassed and worried station-master hurrying up with a watch in his hand.
"Here, what's going on here?" he protested. "What's the matter, constable?"
"Sorry, sir. This man's given himself up; he's wanted for larceny in Torquay. The Chief Constable-"
The station-master peered at me. "Stop a bit: who are you? You've never been assigned to this station. I know every policeman in this whole tow
"No, sir. I'm from Torquay. Special service."
"Ah, good," said the station-master, with a breath of relief. "We can't have trouble and arrests all over this station. (Stand back, if you please, my friends!) Then you can take him back to Torquay. Number 3 — down platform; over there — just coming in — last train to Torquay to-night. Come along: I'll take you. No fuss, now."
Already a couple of doors were slamming on the London train.
"Listen," I said, and pulled the station-master to one side; "very important. Sorry, but I must look at the swag in this valise first. Is there a private place close at hand, where I can take him?" I nodded towards Serpos, who had not moved. "And can you drive these people away? Also, if you could go and keep a compartment empty on the Torquay train-?"