human
There is something up, he said, a moment later turning to her.
gpt
There must be a criminal on board. There are a lot of policemen about, and they seem to be searching the train.
human
Oh, what shall I do!
gpt
What is the matter?
human
They will shut me up. Oh, save me--save me!
gpt
But what have you done?
human
Nothing, nothing I assure you. Oh, believe me, it is all a mistake.
gpt
They will be here directly, he said.
human
Have you enough self-control to remain perfectly calm and to back up any story I tell?
gpt
Yes.
human
Sit down then, and appear to be talking to me.
gpt
Tickets, please.
human
You have your ticket, Amy.
gpt
From Newhaven, I see.
human
I must ask the lady to lift 'er veil, please.
gpt
Steady, sir. Do you know this lady?
human
This lady happens to be my wife, so you will kindly explain your extraordinary behaviour.
gpt
Sorry to hinconvenience you, sir, but we 'ave orders to search this train for a young lady who got in at Newhaven. Now this is the only lady on board whose ticket was not taken in Paris. So you see we have got to make sure that this is not the person we want.
human
But, man alive, I tell you this lady is my wife.
gpt
So you say, sir, but you can't prove it, can you, now? You're registered through from Paris, and this lady gets in at Newhaven. How do you explain that?
human
Of course, one doesn't travel about with one's marriage certificate--but as it happens, I can prove that this lady is my wife. Here is my passport; kindly examine it. Mrs. Crichton returned to England several months ago, and went down to Newhaven last night so as to be able to meet me this morning. As to lifting her veil, of course she has no objection to doing so. I thought it idle curiosity on your part, but as it is a question of duty, that alters the case completely.
gpt
Thank you, sir. The inspector opened the passport and read aloud.
human
Cyril Crichton--Lieutenant in the--Rifles, age 27 years, height 6 ft., 1 inch, weight 12 stone. Hair--fair; complexion--fair, inclined to be ruddy. Eyes--blue. Nose--straight, rather short. Mouth--large. Distinguishing marks: cleft in chin.
gpt
Well, that's all right, he said.
human
And now for the lady's. Will you kindly lift your veil, m'm?
gpt
Amy Crichton, wife of Cyril Crichton, age--26 years--H'm that seems a bit old for the lady.
human
You flatter me.