“With three crimes—murders,” the conductor amended. “Two masked men have escaped, two men who assaulted me.”
“Yes, some of the workmen repairing the line saw them climbing the embankment. There’s a little wood at the top of it; and they’re hunting through it and [[38]]along the high road. If they catch any one we shall hear about it here,” said Marescal.
He uttered the words sternly with an air of authority.
Ralph was growing more and more astonished; then of a sudden his head ceased humming; and he recovered his usual clear-sighted coolness.
The workmen, passengers, and station master trooped out; the car was left empty but for Marescal, the conductor, Ralph, and the dead. Ralph made to return to his seat. Marescal barred his way.
“What do you mean, sir?” cried Ralph indignantly, certain now that Marescal did not recognize him. “I was in this car and I want to go back to it.”
“No, sir,” replied Marescal. “Every place in which a crime has been committed belongs to justice, and no unauthorized person can enter it.”
The conductor intervened.
“This gentleman was one of the victims of the attack. They bound and robbed him.”
“I’m sorry,” said Marescal. “But the orders are strict.”