Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/240

 He and his companion led Stainsby by various ways evidently well-known to themselves, and past various steamship officials until the apprentice found himself in a vast shed amongst groups of people and piles of goods; through one of many open doors he saw, just across a narrow quay the long, black bulk of the great ocean liner. And through another open door he saw a gangway leading up from the quay to the deck, and at its foot uniformed officials and near them a board on which in big letters was the word Passports.

One of his companions touched Stainsby's shoulder, motioning him to a pile of goods near the door.

"You slip behind that," he said. "You'll get a view of the landing-stage from there without being seen yourself. When you see him approaching, give us a wink—we'll do the rest."

Stainsby took up his position. On the quayside, and on the decks of the great liner things grew busier and busier. Men and women, mails and merchandise were being crowded on board; everywhere there was bustle and confusion. And suddenly he saw Thomas Wraypoole and the housekeeper. They came hurrying along, an hotel porter carrying their small baggage.