第22章

So it was settled; and as the fire was nearly out and it was getting late, they prepared to retire for the night.The baby was still sleeping so Easton lifted it, cradle and all, and carried it up the narrow staircase into the front bedroom, Ruth leading the way, carrying the lamp and some clothes for the child.So that the infant might be within easy reach of its mother during the night, two chairs were arranged close to her side of the bed and the cradle placed on them.

`Now we've forgot the clock,' said Easton, pausing.He was half undressed and had already removed his slippers.

`I'll slip down and get it,' said Ruth.

`Never mind, I'll go,' said Easton, beginning to put his slippers on again.

`No, you get into bed.I've not started undressing yet.I'll get it,' replied Ruth who was already on her way down.

`I don't know as it was worth the trouble of going down,' said Ruth when she returned with the clock.`It stopped three or four times today.'

`Well, I hope it don't stop in the night,' Easton said.`It would be a bit of all right not knowing what time it was in the morning.Isuppose the next thing will be that we'll have to buy a new clock.'

He woke several times during the night and struck a match to see if it was yet time to get up.At half past two the clock was still going and he again fell asleep.The next time he work up the ticking had ceased.He wondered what time it was? It was still very dark, but that was nothing to go by, because it was always dark at six now.He was wide awake: it must be nearly time to get up.It would never do to be late; he might get the sack.

He got up and dressed himself.Ruth was asleep, so he crept quietly downstairs, lit the fire and heated the tea.When it was ready he went softly upstairs again.Ruth was still sleeping, so he decided not to disturb her.Returning to the kitchen, he poured out and drank a cup of tea, put on his boots, overcoat and hat and taking his basket went out of the house.

The rain was still falling and it was very cold and dark.There was no one else in the street.Easton shivered as he walked along wondering what time it could be.He remembered there was a clock over the front of a jeweller's shop a little way down the main road.When he arrived at this place he found that the clock being so high up he could not see the figures on the face distinctly, because it was still very dark.He stood staring for a few minutes vainly trying to see what time it was when suddenly the light of a bull's-eye lantern was flashed into his eyes.

`You're about very early,' said a voice, the owner of which Easton could not see.The light blinded him.

`What time is it?' said Easton.`I've got to get to work at seven and our clock stopped during the night.'

`Where are you working?'

`At "The Cave" in Elmore Road.You know, near the old toll gate.'

`What are you doing there and who are you working for?' the policeman demanded.

Easton explained.

`Well,' said the constable, `it's very strange that you should be wandering about at this hour.It's only about three-quarters of an hour's walk from here to Elmore Road.You say you've got to get there at seven, and it's only a quarter to four now.Where do you live?

What's your name?' Easton gave his name and address and began repeating the story about the clock having stopped.

`What you say may be all right or it may not,' interrupted the policeman.`I'm not sure but that I ought to take you to the station.

All I know about you is that I find you loitering outside this shop.

What have you got in that basket?'

`Only my breakfast,' Easton said, opening the basket and displaying its contents.

`I'm inclined to believe what you say,' said the policeman, after a pause.`But to make quite sure I'll go home with you.It's on my beat, and I don't want to run you in if you're what you say you are, but I should advise you to buy a decent clock, or you'll be getting yourself into trouble.'

When they arrived at the house Easton opened the door, and after making some entries in his note-book the officer went away, much to the relief of Easton, who went upstairs, set the hands of the clock right and started it going again.He then removed his overcoat and lay down on the bed in his clothes, covering himself with the quilt.

After a while he fell asleep, and when he awoke the clock was still ticking.

The time was exactly seven o'clock.