As the train was going to start, a man came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder (how I did hate this manner of greeting!) and asked me, “Where are your papers?”
“Who are you, anyway?” I said.
“I am Secret Service.”
“Anybody can say that.”
“Of course, sir; but here’s my badge.”
For a moment I felt dizzy. I explained to this gentleman with great suavity that I possessed no papers, that I was on my way back to Germany, and that I should give no trouble to the Dutch Government.
“So,” he remarked, “you come from England, and you have no papers? I suppose that was a bit difficult?”
“Yes. Rather!” I said.
“Well, I wish you a further pleasant journey.”