ctor came on to the
platform, and eyed her with more than ordinary curiosity. She could
hear the telephone bell ringing hard, but it never struck her that these
occurrences had anything to do with herself. She walked to the
bookstall, and after spending some minutes looking at the various
magazines spread forth, bought a copy of _Tit Bits_, and strolled back
down the platform reading it as she went, and smiling over the jokes. At
the automatic sweet-machine she paused, put a penny in the slot, and had
just withdrawn her box of chocolates when, turning round, she found
herself face to face with a policeman.

"Very sorry, Miss," said the man civilly, "but I'm afraid you've got to
go along with me."

Meg was so surprised that she nearly dropped both _Tit Bits_ and the
chocolates.

"To go along with you!" she gasped. "Indeed I shan't do anything of the
sort."

"Better not make a scene, Miss," advised the policeman, with an
indulgent smile. "I'm sorry, but it's my duty to take you in charge."

"But what for? I've done nothing!" protested Meg in huge indignation.

"That's a little matter between your schoolmistress and yourself. It's
none of my business. My instructions are to take you straight to the
police station."

"But I tell you I won't be taken!"

"Better go quietly, Missy," said the station inspector, who had come
bustling up. "You don't want to attract a crowd, I'm sure, do you? No;
then let me put you in this cab, and drive you round to the police
station. It's only a couple of streets away. They'll explain everything
to you there."

There was sense in his remarks, for people on the platform were
beginning to stop and stare at Meg with an interest she deeply resented.
To enter the cab seemed the lesser evil, even if she must pay a visit to
the police station. The inspector handed her in politely, and entering
after, took the seat opposite, while the policeman mounted the box
beside the driver.

"They seem desperately afraid of my escaping! I wonder they don't
handcuff me!" thought Meg, waxing more and more angry at the indignity
of the proceeding. The little drive only occupied a few minutes, and
arrived at the police station, she was shown at once into the head
inspector's office.

"I should like to know what charge you have against me," demanded Meg,
determined to hold her own, and not to be frightened at her arrest.

"Withdrawing yourself from the hands of your lawful schoolmistress and
present g