The Cinema Murder

train northwards. Its long strip of flinty platform was utterly deserted. Around the three flickering gas-lamps the drizzling rain fell continuously. The weary porter came yawni

seemingly," the latter re

ho came down from London on a one-day return excursion

s approaching the ticket window was heard. A long, white hand was thru

etton Junct

the till, and resumed his place before the fire. The porter, with the lamp in his hand, lounged out into

g up to see his barmaid ag

master yaw

ered. "What an old woman

erybody's busin

urney to the far end of the platform to open the door for the solitary passenger who was standing there. He passed up t

ation master asked h

plied, a little curtly. "Maybe it w

*

me restless. He let down the rain-blurred window and leaned out. The cool dampness of the night was immensely refreshing, the rain softened his hot cheeks. He sat there, peering away into the shadows, struggling for the sight of definite objects-a tree, a house, the outline of a field-anything to keep the other thoughts away, the thoughts that came sometimes like the aftermath of a g

nto the elaborate dining-car and found a comfortable corner seat. The luxury of his surroundings soothed his jagged nerves. The car was comfortably warmed, the electric light upon his table was softly shaded. The steward who waited upon him was swift-footed and obsequious, and seemed entirely oblivious of Philip's shabby, half-soaked clothes. He ordered champagne a little vaguely, and the wine ran through his veins with a curious potency. He ate and d

Hotel. He made his way at once to the office. His clothes were

for me, I think," he sa

ome lugg

nced at him and ha

sir, on the second

edroom. A fire was blazing in the grate; a dressing-case, a ste

him, "is down-stairs, and will go direct to the steamer to-mor

assented. "What time

o'clock

fancied himself on board early in the day. The prospect

e afternoon,

n go on board any time after eleven o'clock in th

ressing-case. He surveyed their carefully packed contents with a certain grim and fantastic amusement, handled the silver brushes, shook out a purple brocaded dressing-gown, laid out a suit of clothes for the morrow, ev