Guy rose, and, drawing aside the overcoat which Marven wore, deliberately unbuckled the strap upon which the despatch case was slung. The Captain never stirred. He was really asleep. Guy looked at his watch. In another ten minutes the train would be stopping at Cambridge. Yes, he had just time to carry out the initial stage of his plan. From his handbag he produced a mass of stiff modelling clay, and with it he took two impressions of the seals which secured the fastenings of the case. Then he placed the case and the impressions in his own bag. Already he was beginning to enjoy the consciousness of success.
The train ran into Cambridge railway station. Guy leaned over to his sleeping companion.
"You must have a cup of coffee if you are to keep awake," he said.
The Captain's eyes opened, but they were dull, unseeing.
The train stopped. Guy alighted and Marven followed him to the refreshment room. Guy ordered coffee. Marven drank his mechanically.
"We must return," said Guy. "The coffee will not keep you awake long."
The guard was standing at the door when they re-entered their compartment, and he closed it deferentially. Evidently he was aware of Captain Marven's identity. Guy was glad that he had taken the risk of awakening Marven; otherwise the railway official's acquaintance might have proved troublesome.
The train rolled out again into the night.
"You will sleep again," said Guy soothingly.
The Captain composed himself in his corner, and Guy forgot him. Seconds only passed before the despatch case was open before him, seals broken, lock picked, and the papers it contained lying in his hand. He groaned as he saw the voluminous character of the document. Then his eyes brightened as he caught sight of the précis of the contents attached. A fountain pen and paper were at his hand, and a copy of the précis was soon in his possession. Then watch in hand he read the more lengthy despatch. Ten minutes had passed since leaving Cambridge and another ten would bring the train to Ely. He returned the papers to the case. With deftness, born of much practice, the lock was turned again. With a spirit lamp the wax of the seals was melted and the seal reimpressed by aid of the carefully oiled clay impression already hardened sufficiently for the purpose. With a sigh of satisfaction Guy laid the case on the seat. But the sigh died away. Looking up he was astounded to find that Captain Marven had awakened, and was standing erect and with outstretched hand was pointing to the case.