The Thirty-Nine Steps

Chapter VI-2

I was pulling myself together now, and I reflected that my garb, lacking coat and waistcoat and collar, would at any rate not betray me. I put on my surliest face and shrugged my shoulders.

“I suppose you’re going to give me up after all, and I call it a damned dirty trick. 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 hav