After some hesitation she turned and walked along to King Street, where
she entered the telegraph office and dispatched a telegram. She
evidently knew that part of London, or she would not have known the
whereabouts of that office hidden down the short side street. I waited
in Parliament Street until her return, and unnoticed strode back behind
her to the corner of Bridge Street, where she at length entered a taxi
and drove off.
From the telegram I might, I thought, obtain some clue, but, alas!
telegrams are secret, and I should be unable to get a glance at it. To
apply at the office would be useless. The police might perhaps obtain
permission to read it, but so many dispatches are daily handed in there
that to trace any particular one is always a difficult matter.
I was divided in my impulses. Should I go back to King Street and make
instant application regarding the telegram, so that it might be marked
and easily traced afterwards, or should I follow the taxi which at that
moment was crossing Westminster Bridge?
I decided upon the latter course, and jumping into another motor,
pointed out the taxi I desired to follow.
Our drive was not a long one--only to Waterloo Station, the busy
platform of the loop line. Here I could easily conceal myself in the
crowd of persons every moment arriving and departing, and as I stood
near the booking-office, I heard her ask for a first-class ticket to
Fulwell, a rather pleasant and comparatively new suburban district
between Twickenham and Hampton.
The Shepperton train was already in the station, therefore she at once
took her seat, while I entered another compartment in the front of the
train. I did this in order to be able to alight quickly, leave the
station before her, and thus avoid recognition. The journey occupied
about three-quarters of a hour, but at length we drew into the little
rural station situated in a deep cutting, and ere the train stopped I
sprang out, passed the barrier and leaped up the steps, escaping ere the
gate was closed by the ticket inspector. By this quick movement I
gained several minutes upon her, for the barrier was closed, and
alighting passengers were not allowed to leave before the train had
again moved off.
The high road from London opened right and left, one way leading back to
Strawberry Hill, the other out to New Hampton. I felt certain that she
would walk in the direction of the latter place, therefore I started off
briskly until I came to a small wayside inn, which I entered, and going
to the window of the bar-parlour called for refreshment, at the same
time keeping a keen look-out for her passing.
Several persons who had come by train hurried by, and at first I
believed she had taken the opposite direction. But at last she came,
holding her skirts daintily and picking her way, for it had been raining
and the path was muddy. She, however, was not alone.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account