The booking office was closed and the clerk had gone home. With considerable difficulty they obtained his address from a watchman. Then stepping into their waiting taxi, they were driven to it.
The house was in darkness, but their third thunderous knock produced a sleepy and indignant householder. Tanner, who was a past-master in the art, soothed his ruffled feelings, and he brought them in and civilly asked their business.
‘You have been troubled about this before, I’m afraid,’ the Inspector began. ‘I shall explain the affair in a word and you’ll see its importance. A murder has been committed, and we have traced the suspected man to Queen Street Station. He drove up in a great hurry just before half-past seven this evening, and we imagine he must have travelled by the 7.32. Now you will see why we want your help. If you can recall the man and recollect where he booked to, it would be of material assistance to us.’
‘A clean-shaven man in a brownish cap and coat?’ the clerk replied. ‘But I have already answered that. I saw no one so dressed.’
‘We have just discovered that he had bought a waterproof and a grey felt hat. Can you recall him now?’
The clerk made a sudden gesture.
‘Why yes, I can,’ he cried excitedly, ‘I remarked him because he was in such a fuss, and I told him he was time enough. I should have thought of it when the constable asked me, but the description put me off.’
‘Quite naturally,’ Tanner assured him smoothly, ‘but now if you can tell us where he booked to, you’ll do us a very great service.’
‘I can do so. His excitement drew my attention to him. He took a third single to Southampton.’
‘Southampton! Just as I expected,’ exclaimed Tanner. ‘Making for the ships!’