Stewart explained, “and imagines that he is doing his duty. I suppose[Pg 84] they do have to be careful in war-time. We must be patient.”

[Pg 84]

“I will look at her passport,” said the German, suddenly, and held out his hand.

“My passport is for both of us,” Stewart explained. “Those words ‘accompanied by his wife,’ make it inclusive.”

The officer went out into the light again and examined the words with minute attention.

“I find no description of her,” he said, coming back.

“There is none,” assented Stewart, impatiently; “but there is a description of me, as you see. The passport adds that I am accompanied by my wife. I tell you that this lady is my wife. That is sufficient.”

The officer glanced at his companions uncertainly. Then he slowly folded up the passport and handed it back.

“When do you depart from Aachen?” he asked.

“By the first train for Brussels. I am told that it will arrive in about half an hour.”

“Very well,” said the other. “I regret if I have seemed insistent, but the fact that the lady did not arrive with you appeared to us singular. I will report your explanation to my chief,” and he turned [Pg 85]on his heel and stalked away, followed by his men.

[Pg 85]

Stewart drew a deep breath.

“Well,” he began, when he was stopped by a sharp tap from his companion’s foot.

“Such impudence!” she cried. “I was astonished at your patience, Tommy! You, an American, letting a Prussian policeman intimidate you like that! I am ashamed of you!”

Glancing around, Stewart saw the hang-dog Hans hovering in the doorway.

“He was a big policeman, my dear,” he explained, laughing. “I shouldn’t have had much of a chance with him, to say nothing of his two men. If we want to get to Brussels, the safest plan is to answer calmly all the questions the German police can think of. But it is time for us to be going. There will be no reserved seats on this train!”

“You are right,” agreed his companion; “I am quite ready.”

So 

 Prev. P 49/186 next