The Passenger from Calais | Page 9

his own account, well-to-do and prosperous, was the
notion borne out by his dress, his white waistcoat and coloured shirt of
amazing pattern (a hint of his Italian origin), his rings and the showy
diamond pin in his smart necktie.
I added to this, my first impression, by further observation, for which I
soon had abundant opportunity. When the train moved on, he came and
took his seat on the flap seat (or strapontin) just opposite my
compartment. I could not tell why, until presently he made overtures of
sociability and began a desultory talk across the corridor. My cabin or
compartment, it will be remembered, was the last but one; the
newcomer had been given the one behind mine, and here from his seat
he commanded the whole length of the carriage forward, which
included the compartment occupied by Mrs. Blair and her party.
I cannot say that I liked his looks or was greatly attracted by him. He
was not prepossessing. Fair, with a flaccid unwholesome complexion,
foxy haired, his beard cut to a point, small moustaches curled upward
showing thin pale lips, and giving his mouth a disagreeable curve also
upwards, a sort of set smile that was really a sardonic sneer, conveying
distrust and disbelief in all around. His eyes were so deep set as to be
almost lost in their recesses behind his sandy eyelashes, and he kept
them screwed up close, with the intent watchful gaze of an animal
about to make a spring. His whole aspect, his shifty, restless manner,
his furtive looks, all were antipathetic and to his great advantage. I did
not take to him at all, and plainly showed him that I had no desire for
his talk or his company.
It was not easy to shake him off, however. He would take no offence; I
was cold to positive rudeness, I snubbed him unmercifully; I did not
answer his remarks or his questions, which were incessant and
shamelessly inquisitorial. Nothing disconcerted him. I had all but shut
the door of my compartment in his face, but it suddenly occurred to me
that he was capable of wandering on, and when he found the ladies

inflicting his greasy attentions upon them.
I felt that I had better submit to his unpalatable society than let him
bore Mrs. Blair with his colossal impudence.
How right I was in this became at once apparent. He had taken out a
cigar-case and pressed one upon me with such pertinacious, offensive
familiarity that I could see no way out of it than by saying
peremptorily:
"You cannot smoke here. There are ladies in that compartment yonder."
"Ladies indeed! You surprise me," but I saw a look on his face that
convinced me he perfectly well knew they were there. "Ladies, aha!
How many, may I ask?"
"One at least, with her maid and a child," I replied gruffly.
"And a child," he repeated, as if by rote. "Does monsieur, tell me
quickly, I--I--beg--know them! Can he describe them to me?"
"I shall tell you nothing about them. What the mischief do you mean by
asking me questions? Find out what you want for yourself." I was hot
and indignant with the brute.
"By George, you're right. I'll go and ask for leave to smoke. I shall find
out then," and he jumped up, the spring seat closing with a bang from
under him.
The noise concealed the sound of the electric bell which I had pressed
to summon the attendant, as I rushed out and caught the other man by
the arm.
"You'll do nothing of the kind," I cried with very vigorous emphasis,
backed by all my strength. "I'll shake you to a jelly if you dare to move
another inch."
"Here, I say, drop it. Who the deuce are you? None of your bally
nonsense. Hands off, or I'll make you."

But he was too soft and flabby to avail much, and I dragged him back
helplessly with tightened grip, only too delighted to try conclusions
with him.
At this moment the conductor appeared upon the scene, and began to
expostulate loudly.
"Here, I say, what's all this? It can't be allowed. No fighting and
quarrelling are permitted."
"Well, then, people must behave themselves," I retorted. "Don't let this
chap annoy your passengers."
"I have done nothing to annoy them," stammered the other. "You shall
answer for this. I've done no harm."
"I'll see you don't. Get in there and stay there;" and with that I forced
him, almost flung him, into his compartment, where he fell panting
upon the velvet sofa.
"You'd better keep an eye on him," I said to the conductor, who was
inclined to be disagreeable, and was barely pacified by a couple of
five-franc pieces. "Fellows of this sort