Winner Stories

Next Winner (70) | Previous Winner (68)

advancing toward them, she saw two men making careful search in
every carriage.
Herr Haeberlein was sitting with his back to the engine. Between
him and the door sat a lady with a copy of the Graphic on her
knee. If she could only have been persuaded to read it, it might
have made an effectual screen. She tried to will her to take it up,
but without success. And still the detectives moved steadily
forward with their keen scrutiny.
Erica was in despair. Herr Haeberlein imagined himself safe now,
and she could not warn him without attracting the notice and
rousing the suspicion of the passengers. To complete her misery,
she saw that he had pushed his wig a little on one side, and
through the black hair she caught a glimpse of silver gray.
Her heart beat so fast that it almost choked her, but still she
forced herself to talk and laugh, though every moment the danger
drew nearer. At the very last moment an inspiration came to her.
The detectives were examining the next carriage.
They are taking things in the most leisurely way tonight! she
exclaimed. I'm tired of waiting. I shall say goodbye to you, and
go home, I think.
As she spoke, she opened the carriage door stepped in, and
demonstratively kissed her silent companion, much to the amusement
of the passengers, who had been a good deal diverted by her racy
conversation and the grumpy replies of the traveler. There was a
smile on every face when one of the detectives looked in. He
glanced to the other side of the carriage and saw a darkhaired
young man in an ulster, and a pretty girl taking leave of her
lover. Erica's face entirely hid Herr Haeberlien's from view and
the man passed on with a shrug and a smile. She had contrived to
readjust his wig, and with many last words, managed to spin out the
remaining time, till at last the welcome signal of departure was
given.
Haeberlein's mouth relaxed into a benignant smile, as he nodded a
farewell; then he discreetly composed himself into a sleeping
posture, while Erica stood on the platform and waved her
handkerchief.
As she moved away the two detectives passed by her.
Not there! At any rate, she heard one of them say. Maybe they
got him by the nine o'clock at Waterloo.
More likely trapped him in Guilford Terrace, replied the other.
Erica, shaking with suppressed laughter, saw the men leave the
station; and then, springing into a cab, drove to a street in the
neighborhood of Guildford Square.
Now that her work was over, she began to feel what a terrible
strain it had been. At first she lay back in the corner of the cab

Next Winner (70) | Previous Winner (68)

Winner Index