My God, I wish I had never seen that cursed
motor-car! Here's the money and be damned to you,' and I flung four
sovereigns on the table.
He opened his eyes a little. 'Oh no, I shall not give you up. My
friends and I will have a little private settlement with you, that is
all. You know a little too much, Mr Hannay. You are a clever
actor, but not quite clever enough.'
He spoke with assurance, but I could see the dawning of a doubt
in his mind.
'Oh, for God's sake stop jawing,' I cried. 'Everything's against
me. I haven't had a bit of luck since I came on shore at Leith.
What's the harm in a poor devil with an empty stomach picking up
some money he finds in a bust-up motor-car? That's all I done, and
for that I've been chivvied for two days by those blasted bobbies
over those blasted hills. I tell you I'm fair sick of it. You can do
what you like, old boy! Ned Ainslie's got no fight left in him.'
I could see that the doubt was gaining.
'Will you oblige me with the story of your recent doings?'he asked.
'I can't, guv'nor,' I said in a real beggar's whine. 'I've not had a
bite to eat for two days. Give me a mouthful of food, and then
you'll hear God's truth.'
I must have showed my hunger in my face, for he signalled to
one of the men in the doorway. A bit of cold pie was brought and a
glass of beer, and I wolfed them down like a pig--or rather, like
Ned Ainslie, for I was keeping up my character.
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