"I believe so; why?"
Leaning over, he laid his hand upon my shoulder. He spoke in a tone of voice which, in spite of myself, sent a thrill all over me.
"Man, supposing they find it? It may be a question of life or death. Let's get out of this--come!"
It was time that we left the carriage. I had noticed a porter staring in, as if wondering why we remained its occupants. But that was no reason why the stranger, thrusting his arm through mine, should have almost dragged me out on to the platform. As he continued to cling to me when we were on the platform, I remonstrated--"Be so good as to release my arm."
Paying no attention to my request, he made as if to hurry me on.
"Come to a little place I know near here. I am a bit of a doctor. I'll soon make that cut of yours all right."
I did not budge. I repeated my request--
"Be so good as to release my arm. I am obliged to you for your suggestion. I, however, prefer to go straight home."
"Quite right; there is no place like home. Let's go and find a cab."
Not at all nonplussed, he again made as if to hasten on. I still declined to budge.