Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/177

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THE WAITER AND THE CABMAN
167

"Well, where did you drive them?"

"Where the gent ordered—front of the Great Western Hotel, Paddington."

"Praed Street entrance to the hotel, you mean. Well, what happened when you got there?"

"Can't say as anything happened, guv'nor. They got out and the gent paid me. But I noticed they didn't go into the hotel."

"Didn't, eh? Where did they go?"

"Walked along the front towards where you turn down at the side of the hotel to the Departure Platform at Paddington Station."

"Did they turn down?"

"That's just what I can't say, guv'nor! I turned my cab there and went off. But that's the direction they was making in—where you turn down to the station."

"Seem on friendly terms while they were in your cab, and when they got out?" enquired the detective.

"As far as I know, guv'nor, yes. Walked away together very friendly, like—chatting. The young lady was in the middle of 'em. Took 'em for pa, ma and daughter, I did!"

Wedgwood turned to Nottidge. But before he could speak Nottidge's housekeeper opened the door and handed her master a telegram.