“It may not be necessary, after all,” said the conductor suavely.
“But I know nothing about the affair, except that the train stopped and that a robbery is said to have been committed,” the woman objected. “Besides, my home is in Philadelphia, and it would not be convenient for me to be summoned to an investigation.”
“You would be excused, no doubt, in that case,” persisted the conductor. “Surely, madam, you have no other reason for refusing to give me your name and address.”
“No other reason!” she exclaimed impatiently. “Certainly not, sir!”
“Kindly do so, then.”
The woman hesitated for another moment.
“By Jove, she is deciding whether to give him a fictitious name,” thought Chick, intently watching her frowning face. “She’ll not be fool enough to do so.”
Chick was right.
The woman decided nearly as quickly as he that deception at that time might later make her liable to serious suspicion. She drew herself up a bit haughtily and said:
“Very well, then, since you insist upon it. My name is Janet Payson.”