Page:War's dark frame (IA warsdarkframe00camp).pdf/65

Rh Therefore, I didn't come down from London on the special train with the rest of the passengers.

At a stated hour the gate was thrown open and I was permitted to drive in after an examination of passports. I found an elderly porter in front of the ticket office. I asked him to take my lug. gage from the cab. As the result of extended and silent consideration he agreed, apparently against his better judgment. While he worked he shook his head continually.

I turned to enter the ticket office. He grasped my arm. His gesture and his face expressed a desire to spare me an indiscretion. This time he spoke.

"Where you off to, sir?"

"To buy my ticket for France."

I am convinced he was a Wesleyan. I have never seen a longer face.

“Better not do that, sir," he said mournfully, until you find out whether you're going."

I laughed and walked on. He called after me with the effect of pursuing an erring soul. With each word his voice grew shriller.

"Very often they don't go, sir. I tell you, they don't go. They stops 'em at the dock."

I was tired, so, when I was aboard the boat, I entered my bunk; but sleep was nearly out of the question because of that justifiable care and sever-