CHAPTER NINETEEN
PASSPORTS!
Whoever it was that the apprentice was expecting or looking for, he had failed to see Wedgwood as the long train steamed in, and the detective had to run after him along the crowded platform. At a touch on his shoulder Stainsby started and faced round; an immediate expression of relief on his face convinced Wedgwood that the lad had business for him.
"You got my wire then?" said Stainsby. "I was afraid you mightn't have it in time for this train."
"What wire?" asked Wedgwood. "I've had no wire!"
"Sent you a wire this morning at ten o'clock," answered Stainsby. "To Hunter Street."
"Ah!" said the detective. "But I haven't been at Hunter Street this morning, and they wouldn't know there where I was. But what about?"
Stainsby gave him a look that meant many things.
"They're here!" he replied. "And, for
220
