OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE LODGER 123
" Nagear? Who's he? "
" He's the fellow who killed that Dutchman with a spanner on
the Brussels express."
" Ah, yes, I remember."
Cameras clicked. The crowd surged forward and were hustled
back again. Just then, on catching sight of the man for whom they
were watching, the gypsies set up a long shrill keening, a cry of
desolation so intense that for a moment all seemed in abeyance, all
movement arrested.
But then the steady tramp set in again, and soon they had reached
the quay and the three tenders that were to take the prisoners on
board La Martiniere. Though as they passed along the gangways
in single file all looked much alike, one of the press photographers
managed to recognize Elie, who was plodding ahead with the same
slow, mechanical steps, the same look of sullen resignation on his
face, as his companions.
A woman in black was dodging to and fro behind the serried
ranks of spectators, vainly trying to see over their shoulders, now
and again plucking someone by the sleeve.
" Please would you tell me, are they passing now? Yes? I do
wish you'd let me squeeze in—or couldn't I have your place just
for a moment? "
She ran a little farther along the quayside, only to come up once
more against a solid wall of bodies.
" Couldn't you let me have a peep? Just a little peep? .. . Anyhow,
you might tell me what they're doing. Are they going on
board now? "
A group of young men brushed past her, with cameras under
their arms. They had chartered a motor-launch so as to be able to
accompany the tenders up to La Martiniere. The motor-launch
was alongside the quay, the engine turning over.
" Wait! " she called to them.
They stopped and stared at her, wondering who she was and what
she wanted.
" I'm coming with you," she panted.
" Very sorry, but we can't take passengers."
But already she had dumped the handbag on the edge of the
wharf and, stretching out her arms, was about to spring on to the
boat. There was a five-foot drop between her and die deck.
" Stand back! You can't come with us."
The boat was beginning to draw away. She sprang clumsily