There was no doubt at all that we were up against it.
The asperity with which the official asked me what we had to say sent my heart into my boots.
I started to tell my story.
The moment I said that the car belonged to us, police and robber stared at me as if bewitched. Then the latter exploded.
It was certainly very well done.
Such fulminations of outraged dignity, such out-pourings of righteous indignation, never were witnessed. It took the united sympathy and assurance of the whole personnel of the station, to smooth the ruffian down. After a while, however, he condescended to see the humorous side. The police laughed with him….
Throughout my recital I had to endure the like.
As for the chief of police, he was plainly extremely bored. He listened, patently because it was his duty to let me speak. His cold, indifferent air, the way in which his eyes went straying about the room, were simply maddening.
Desperately endeavouring to keep my temper, I ploughed my way on.
At last—