The inspector, whom I knew very well, locked my door, and until the last moment it seemed as though I should have the compartment to myself.

The train, indeed, was on the point of starting, and I had almost given up looking out for my fellow passengers when they came hurrying up along the platform.

I saw them glancing into the windows of every carriage in the hope of finding a seat.

Two porters carried their small baggage.

An obsequious guard followed in the rear.