The Affair of the Corridor Express

Once more into the darkness. On the other side of the scene of operations, at the same distance, was another little hut, with a guardian for the up--train. Instead of increasing the speed in passing this hut, which would have been usual, the driver brought the train almost to a standstill. As he did so the four men got out of the carriage, jumping from the footboard to the ground. On went the train, leaving them on the left side of the down track, just opposite the little hut. They could see the man standing outside, his back partly turned to them. There was a fire in a brazier close by that dimly outlined his figure.

He started suddenly, as they crossed the line towards him.

"What are you doing here?" he cried. "You've no business here--you're trespassing."

He was a big, strong-looking man, and he backed a little towards his hut as he spoke.

"I am Mr Mills, the assistant-superintendent of the line," r