The first person that Anthony saw as he alighted from his train on the following afternoon was Superintendent Battle. His face broke into a smile. ‘I’ve returned according to contract,’ he remarked. Did you come down here to assure yourself of the fact?’ Battle shook his head. ‘I wasn’t worrying about that, Mr Cade. I happen to be going to London, that’s all.’ You have such a trustful nature, Battle.’ ‘Do you think so, sir?’ ‘No. I think you’re deep-very deep. Still waters, you know, and all that sort of thing. So you’re going to London?’ I am, Mr Cade.’ I wonder why.’ The detective did not reply.
“You see, Watson, but you do not observe. I wonder now whether one of these haughty damsels would condescend to notice us? Splendid, she drifts this way. It is true that she appears to be thinking of something else, but doubtless her subconscious mind is functioning busily with such matters as ham and eggs and pots of tea. Chop and fried potatoes, please, Miss, and a large coffee, a roll and butter, and a plate of tongue for the lady.” The waitress repeated the order in a scornful tone, but Tuppence leant forward suddenly and interrupted her. “No, not a chop and fried potatoes. This gentleman will have a cheese cake and a glass of milk.” “A cheese cake and a milk,” said the waitress with even deeper scorn if that were possible. Still thinking of something else, she drifted away again. “That was uncalled for,” said Tommy coldly. “But I’m right, aren’t I? You are the Old Man in the Corner? Where’s your piece of string?” Tommy drew a long twisted mesh of string from his pocket, and proceeded to tie a couple of knots in it. “Complete to the smallest detail,” he murmured. “You made a small mistake in ordering your meal, though.” “Women are so literal minded,” said Tommy. “If there’s one thing I hate it’s milk to drink, and cheese cakes are always so yellow and bilious looking.”
clementineTe 
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