Part 40 (1/2)

What the big? asked the driver naming the make.

That's 'im. Don't go an' lose 'im now. I'll see you're all right out of it.

We had been fortunate enough to get a new taxi with a competent driver, and by the time we had reached the first set of traffic lights we were right on the other car's tail.

CHAPTER x.x.x.

THE BIG CAR was going Southwards.

Do you know, I said after a quarter of an hour, I shouldn't be surprised if he's making for Croydon.

No more shouldn't I, agreed Beef. E'd be off in an aeroplane if I wasn't going to stop 'im.

But why? I asked impatiently. Why is he so anxious to get away?

I could not reconcile myself to the incongruity of that mild little bootmaker das.h.i.+ng towards the air-port in a great hired car, dressed up in his Sunday suit, and with a battered suitcase in his hand.

Is he so frightened of being questioned? I went on, since there was no answer.

I shouldn't say frightened, exactly, said Beef.

Or is it . . . I began more excitedly as a sudden thought struck me, that he wants to see Fairfax? Does he know something against Fairfax? Does he want to find out something from Fairfax?

Now, Mr. Townsend, said Beef, you know very well I can't go telling you everythink. You've 'ad as much chance as wot I ave to get at the truth until this morning. I'm not going to tell you no more. It wouldn't be etiquette.

At least you can tell me how you're going to stop him leaving, I returned. If he really is making for Croydon he's certain to have his pa.s.sport in order. How do you think you're going to prevent his crossing?

Ah, said Beef, that's where you come in

I?.

Yes. You'll 'ave to charge 'im.

Charge him? What with?

For pinching a 'undred pounds off of you, all in one pound notes, wot 'e 'as secreted on 'is person at this minute.

I exploded. Don't be a fool, Beef! I said. D'you think I'm going to pay out thousands of pounds, when he proves that he was wrongfully arrested.

Beef gave a self-satisfied chuckle. 'E won't do that, he said, you trust to me.

I shouldn't consider it, I said. To charge a man with stealing! You ought to be ashamed of yourself as a policeman suggesting such a thing.

Beef coughed. If I could tell you every think I'm blowed if I wouldn't, but I can't, not at this point. But I'll tell you two things, Mr. Townsend. That ole gent in the car in front knows 'oo was murdered, and 'as done all along. And life or death depends very likely on 'is not getting away from England to-night. Now, you've got to 'elp me. I wouldn't take no chances of you losing a lot of money. You won't lose nothink. On'y you've got to charge 'im, see? It's the way to 'old 'im back. You. wouldn't like to feel that when a man's life or death depended on it you was found wanting would you?

Frankly I was bewildered. I had some idea of the seriousness of a step such as Beef wanted me to take. But on the other hand he seemed so sure of himself..

Are you absolutely certain you're right about this?