"You see, I'd made a mistake in the time the train left.

It was only when I was packing the bag that I realised it was impossible for me to get down to the station in time.

I had made arrangements with Miss Rider that if I did not turn up I would telephone to her a quarter of an hour before the train left.

She was to await me in the lounge of a near-by hotel.

I had hoped to get to her at least an hour before the train left, because I did not wish to attract attention to myself, or," he added, "to Miss Rider.