CHAPTER VI
CLOSING TIME
The old woman, who was sitting at the front end of the bus, got up and stooped to collect her shopping basket. The two men got up, but hesitated, clearly waiting for us to go first, as we were nearest the door. I, being on the outside, got up, and as I could think of no reasonable excuse for delay, prepared to alight. There was nothing else I could do. But Steeley thought of something. Three quick strides and he was at the front of the bus picking up the old woman’s basket. This gave me an opening, for, being with him, I stood aside to wait, although there was no real reason why I should. Normally, I should have waited outside. Our two followers, somewhat taken aback by all this manœuvring, also hung back, making a business of buttoning up their coats. The driver
