It would be about
2 P.M., wouldn't it, when the express boat comes from Vevey and
Bouveret?"
"Yes, I make no doubt of that," said the man, with a gleam of
intelligence upon his stolid face.
"And the ladies went on board it, you say? Yes? You are sure?"
"It must have been so; I certainly carried their traps on board."
"Now, are you quite positive it was the two o'clock going that way,
and not the quarter past two returning from Geneva?" I had my Bradshaw
handy, and was following the time-table with my fingers.
"The 2.15?" The gleam of light went out entirely from his stolid face.
"I have an idea you are right, sir. You see the two boats come in so
near each other and lie at the same pier. I could easily make a
mistake between them."
"It is my firm belief," I said, utterly disgusted with the fellow, "my
firm belief that you have made a mistake all through. You never saw
the ladies at all, either of you." I turned upon the conductor with a
fierce scowl. "You are a rank humbug; you have taken my money under
false pretences. I've a precious good mind to report you to your
superiors, and insist upon your refunding the money.
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