"Double fare if you
are quick!"
It would be a close race. But I counted on the aid of that Fate which
dogs the steps of wrong-doers! My cab was off first and the driver had
every reason for hurrying. From the moment that we turned out into the
Strand until we arrived at our destination I saw no more of
"Le Balafre." My extensive baggage I must hope to recover later.
At Bow Road Station I discovered a telephone box in a dark corner
which commanded a view of the street. I entered this box and waited.
It was important that I should remain invisible. Unless my bearded
friend had been unusually fortunate he could not well have arrived
before me.
As it chanced I had nearly six minutes to wait. Then, not ten yards
away, I saw "Le Balafre" arrive and dismiss the cabman outside the
station.
There was nothing furtive in his manner; he was evidently satisfied
that no one pursued him; and he stood in the station entrance almost
outside my box and lighted a cigar!
Placing his bag upon the floor, he lingered, looking to left and right,
when suddenly a big closed car painted dull yellow drew up beside the
pavement. It was driven by a brown-faced chauffeur whose nationality
I found difficulty in placing, for he wore large goggles. But before
I could determine upon my plan of action, "Le Balafre" crossed the
pavement and entered the car--and the car glided smoothly away, going
East. A passing lorry obstructed my view and I even failed to obtain
a glimpse of the number on the plate.
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