It was not until we were gliding out of the station that I looked round for my dispatch-case.

I did so in vain.

An investigation of the spaces between the seats and the floor proved equally fruitless.

I sank back in my seat with a groan.

“Where did you see it last?” said Daphne.

“I’m hanged if I know, but of course it was with the other things.  I put it in the hall last night, and Falcon knows I always take it wherever I go.”

“I’ll swear nothing was left on the platform,” said Jill.

“Nor in the car,” said Jonah.  “I looked there myself.”

“I’ve not the slightest doubt it’s been pinched,” said I.  “It’s just the sort of thing that’d take a thief’s fancy.  By Jove!” I cried suddenly.  “What about the swab in the light coat?  I’ll bet any money he took it.”

“What swab?” said Jonah.

“Oh, a complete mobsman.  Came and jawed about Nobby and then gassed him with his cigar till he did a bunk.  That put me out of the way.  With the girls trying to get a carriage, the rest was easy.  Gad I Why doesn’t one think of these things?  It’s locked, and there’s nothing terribly valuable in it, but I do hate being stung.”

“First stop Flail,” said Jonah, looking at his watch.  “You’ve got the best part of two hours to think it over.  I should write out a synopsis of the crime in duplicate, with a description of the missing property——­”

“And a plan of the station, I suppose, showing the all-red route I took to the crate of turkeys, with a signed photograph of Nobby.  I’ve only got to attach my birth certificate, and there you are.”

“Gentleman seems annoyed,” said Jonah, unfolding the Pall Mall.

Jill laid a hand on my arm, and I laughed in spite of myself.

“He’ll be fed to the teeth when he gets it open,” I said.  “I admit the cigars are not what he’s accustomed to, but I’d like to meet the fence that’ll take a nainsook pinafore and a couple of bibs.”

This comfortable reflection in some sort consoled me.  All the same, when we steamed into Flail I sent for the station-master and handed that gentleman two short descriptions—­one of the dispatch-case, and the other of the thief.  He promised readily to keep a look-out and inform the police.

“An’ I’ll telephone down the line, sir.  You never know.  He might be on the train, or even ’ave got out ’ere.”  I made as if to leave the compartment.  “Ah, he’d be gone by now, an’ you’re just off.  But I’ll do what I can.  Your address, Red Abbey.  Very good, sir.”

* * * * *

Diana St. Martin was at the station to meet us, in a fever of excitement and good-will.  Her obvious disappointment at Berry’s absence was allayed by our assurance that he would appear the next day.

“Of course,” she announced, “I was thrilled to learn that you were going to the Loganberrys’ lecture, but I couldn’t help feeling that there was some news, more relevant to your visit, which I ought to know.  Hullo!  Is he going to honour us?” she added, pointing to Nobby, who, with tail erect and eyes looking sideways, was considering whether or no to accept the advances of an Irish terrier in the spirit in which they were patently offered.  “What a darling!”