"Well, I dunno," said the sergeant, harping on his theme."I suppose in that case all we can do is take a statement an' let both of you go."
"I'll take it down," said the constable.
He rummaged eagerly in his pocket and pulled out sheets of official foolscap. With his tongue protruding, he wrote laboriously at dictation.
" 'My name is Lady Valerie Woodchester… I was not kidnapped by Mr Simon Templar. I am in love with him. We have eloped together… I eloped in secret because we did not wish any fuss…' Will you sign your name 'ere, miss?"
Lady Valerie signed.
"Mr Templar 'd better sign it, too," said the sergeant gloomily.
The Saint drew a deep breath, but he could say nothing. He took the pen and wrote his name with a steady hand.
The sergeant read over the sheet, folded it, and put it in his pocket.
"Well," he said despondently, "that's all we can do. Will you be stayin' 'ere for some time, sir?"
"No," said the Saint definitely. "We were only spending a few hours before we went on to Southampton to catch a boat." He got up. "We'll go out with you."