I started off for Blenkiron's bookshop, as the nearest harbour of refuge.
But in Piccadilly Circus I was stopped by a military policeman.

He asked my name and battalion, and I gave him them, while his suspicious eye ran over my figure.

I had no pack or rifle, and the crush in the Tube station had not improved my appearance.

I explained that I was going back to France that evening, and he asked for my warrant.

I fancy my preoccupation made me nervous and I lied badly.