mpanion was a person of some geniality. He spread out
his legs, cleared his throat, and observed:

"All's well as ends well. Still, I didn't expect to catch you."

Barraclough assumed an air of indifference.

"Did you not?" he said.

"It's a fact, I didn't. Lying in bed I was twelve minutes ago. Used
some words, too, when they called me up on the 'phone. But, all said,
it was worth the rush. Means a good deal of money to me."

This final remark did little to improve Barraclough's temper. However,
he preserved an outward calm and said he supposed so.

"I'm tenacious," said the man. "That's what I am--tenacious."

"A fine quality."

"And pretty useful in my trade."

"Must be."

Barraclough's mind was concentrated on finding a weak spot at which to
attack and already a delicate idea was maturing. In the rack above his
companion's head was his suitcase, the handle projecting outward.
Apparently it was unusually heavy for Barraclough had noticed with what
a resonant whack it hit the carriage cushions when thrown in through
the window and also that it was only lifted to its present position
with an effort. If that suitcase could be persuaded to fall on its
owner's head it was reasonable to suppose the result would be
anesthetic. And in Barraclough's hand was a crooked stick. The
association of idea is obvious.

"Going far?" came the pleasant enquiry.

In common with all South Western Railway carriages, the wooden
partitioning above the upholstery was decorated with choicely coloured
views of cities and country-side.

"Since there would appear to be no point in hiding anything from you,"
Barraclough replied, "there is a picture of my destination behind your
head."

"That's funny," said the man and, responding to natural curiosity,
turned to examine the picture, while Barraclough embraced the
opportunity to slip the crook of his stick through the handle of the
bag and tug hard. But the bag was heavier than he had imagined. It
scarcely moved and only by bracing his foot on the seat opposite was he
able to upset its balance. Just a fraction of a second too soon the
man turned. Conceivably he saw murder in Barraclough's eyes or else he
was unusually quick at grasping a situation. He flashed his eyes
upward at the moment the bag was toppling, realised it was too late to
save himself, and dropped his head forward. He caught the weight of
the bag on his massive shoulders and, as though it were a pi