He called the waitress and asked for his bill. Tommy did
likewise, and a few moments later was following the two men down
the stairs.

Outside, Whittington hailed a taxi, and directed the driver to go
to Waterloo.

Taxis were plentiful here, and before Whittington's had driven
off another was drawing up to the curb in obedience to Tommy's
peremptory hand.

"Follow that other taxi," directed the young man. "Don't lose
it."

The elderly chauffeur showed no interest. He merely grunted and
jerked down his flag. The drive was uneventful. Tommy's taxi
came to rest at the departure platform just after Whittington's.
Tommy was behind him at the booking-office. He took a first-class
single ticket to Bournemouth, Tommy did the same. As he emerged,
Boris remarked, glancing up at the clock: "You are early. You
have nearly half an hour."

Boris's words had aroused a new train of thought in Tommy's mind.
Clearly Whittington was making the journey alone, while the other
remained in London. Therefore he was left with a choice as to
which he would follow. Obviously, he could not follow both of
them unless----Like Boris, he glanced up at the clock, and then
to the announcement board of the trains. The Bournemouth train
left at 3.30. It was now ten past. Whittington and Boris were
walking up and down by the bookstall. He gave one doubtful look