Page:ManInBrownSuit-Christie.pdf/151

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142
THE MAN IN THE BROWN SUIT

answer to both questions. In that case, I might go to Durban by train. I fancied that I should get there before the boat. On the other hand, if the news of my escape were wired to Chichester, and also the information that I had left Cape Town for Durban, nothing was simpler for him than to leave the boat at either Port Elizabeth or East London and so give me the slip completely.

It was rather a knotty problem.

"We'll inquire about trains to Durban anyway," I said.

"And it's not too late for morning tea," said Suzanne. "We'll have it in the lounge."

The Durban train left at 8.15 that evening, so they told me at the office. For the moment I postponed decision and joined Suzanne for somewhat belated "eleven-o'clock tea."

"Do you feel that you would really recognize Chichester again—in any other disguise, I mean?" asked Suzanne.

I shook my head ruefully.

"I certainly didn't recognize him as the stewardess, and never should have but for your drawing."

"The man's a professional actor, I'm sure of it," said Suzanne thoughtfully. "His make-up is perfectly marvellous. He might come off the boat as a navvy or something, and you'd never spot him."

"You're very cheering," I said.

At that minute, Colonel Race stepped in through the window and came and joined us.

"What is Sir Eustace doing?" asked Suzanne. "I haven't seen him about to-day."

Rather an odd expression passed over the Colonel's face.

"He's got a little trouble of his own to attend to which is keeping him busy."