"Did you see the person
described as the Japanese?"
"Yes, sir, I did. As a matter of fact, I thought it was somebody else. It
was not until the stranger who arrived by the train used that name to
distinguish him that I understood I was mistaken."
The stationmaster looked into Brett's eyes that which he did not like to
say in the presence of the Frazers. Of course, he had fallen into the same
error as most people who only obtained a casual glimpse of Ooma.
Brett hurried his companions outside the station. There they found the
Beechcroft carriage, and a puzzled valet holding parley with the coachman
and footman. David Hume's authority was sufficient to secure the use of
the vehicle, and Brett made the position easier for the men by saying
that, in all probability, they would find fresh instructions awaiting them
at the Hall.
Before the party drove off Winter noticed a local sergeant of police
standing near.
"Shall I ask him to come with us, sir?" he said to Brett.
The barrister considered the point for an instant before replying:
"Perhaps it would be better, as we have not got a warrant."
Winter grinned broadly again.
"Oh yes, we have," he cried. "Mr. Ooma's warrant has been in my
breast-pocket for three days."
"What a thoughtful fellow you are," murmured Brett. "In that case we can
dispense with local assistance.
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