e them; I must catch my train."

He put his hand on the Browning pistol and was glad to feel it there,
though he hardly thought he would be forced to draw it. He was
physically stronger than Graham, but it had come to a trial of nerve
and he knew he had a cunning antagonist. Besides, he could not tell
how much longer they would be left alone and he might be in serious
danger if somebody else came in. Still, he must not look anxious and
quietly fixed his eyes on Graham's face.

"I can't take the risk," the latter declared. "Will you wait until I
see if I can get Gascoyne on the telephone?"

The telephone was in the other office and Foster durst not let the man
out of his sight.

"I've been here long enough and have just time to get to the station."

There was silence for a few moments and Foster felt his heart beat. He
meant to finish the interview as it had begun, without doing anything
unusual, but if this was impossible, he had another plan. His muscles
were stiffened ready for a spring; he would pin the fellow to his desk
while he seized the letters. Though he meant to look calm, his face
got very grim; but Graham carelessly pushed the letters towards him.

"Very well! You will take the responsibility if there's any trouble."

"I will," said Foster, as coolly as he could, and picked up the
envelopes. "Sorry if I've detained you. Good afternoon."

He was half afraid to turn his back to the other, but there was no
avoiding this and he heard no suspicious movement until he reached the
door. Then, as he expected, the telephone bell rang, and Foster,
running down the steps, drew a breath of relief when he reached the
street. It was now dark, but he felt comforted as he saw Pete's tall
figure in the gloom.

"Look behind you now and then and tell me if anybody follows us," he
said, and knowing that Pete's eyes could be trusted, carefully reviewed
the situation when they turned into a busy street.

It was obvious that the conclusions he had come to by the peat-stack
were correct, and the police, who were obviously watching him, thought
he might know something about the Hulton tragedy. If so, his movements
had not been calculated to allay their suspicions. He had now papers
that were probably dangerous in his pocket, and it he were caught
before he got rid of them, it would be difficult to prove his
innocence. The safe line would be to make for the nearest police
station and give up the documents. S