The London Crimes

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DARKNESS had engulfed the English countryside. The special boat train from Plymouth was speeding on toward London, carrying passengers who had landed from the steamship Patagonia.

Two men were seated in a well-lighted compartment of a third-class carriage. Though they had crossed the Atlantic on the same liner, they appeared to be unacquainted. This was not surprising; for the pair made a distinct contrast.

One was a sharp-faced, ruddy-complexioned man whose age was no more than forty. Though restrained in manner, he gave occasional signs of restlessness; this was indicated by the frequent tightening of his lips, and the furrows which sometimes showed upon his forehead.

Upon the seat beside this man was a black leather briefcase. One hand, its fingers powerful in their pressure, was resting on the briefcase. The owner of the bag regarded it as important; and with good reason. His identity and his occupation were the explanations.

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