Page:The Whisper on the Stair by Lyon Mearson (1924).djvu/120

 Val and Eddie, the only oncoming passengers, entered, and the gates clanged shut again. The bell rang the length of the car, and with a grinding of flat wheels the train started. Through the glass of the car platform Val and Eddie could see the foremost of the pursuing gang plunge into the station and look up and down for their quarry.

Val kissed his hand to them as the train pulled out.

“Rather close, what!” commented Val, and for the first time he was able to turn to Eddie. He gave a gasp of surprise.

In his hand Eddie Hughes held carefully the suitcase containing the books they had gone after.

Before a crackling blaze in the grate Val sat sunk deep in an easy chair, examining the books which were strewed around him. He was feeling better, more exhilarated with life, than he had felt for many a day. To-morrow he would have something to tell Jessica Pomeroy. He recounted to himself the several aspects of the story he would have to tell her. It was good. She could hardly keep on with Ignace Teck, now that he⸺”

“Anything more to-night, sir?” asked Eddie respectfully, at the door. Val half turned.

“Nothing, Eddie, except that you’re a good boy and in my report to G.H.Q. I’ll recommend you for conspicuous coolness and daring under fire. You ought to get a citation for it, you know.”

“Yes sir. Very good, sir,” grinned Eddie impassively.

“Good night, Eddie,” said Val.