men who were coming up the hill road — too slowly, as it seemed to Kemp. 'What were you planning to do, when you were going to Port Burdock? Did you have a plan?' 'I was going to leave the country. But I have rather changed that plan since seeing you. I thought it would be wise, now the weather is hot, to make for the south. Especially as my secret was known, and everyone would be watching for a man all wrapped up like me. You have regular boats from here to France. My idea was to get on board one. Then I could go by train into Spain, or else to Algiers. It wouldn't be difficult. There a man could be invisible all the time, but still live and do things. I was using that tramp as a moneybox and carrier until I decided how to get my books and things sent over to join me.' 'That's clear.' 'And then he tried to rob me! He has hidden my books, Kemp. Hidden my books! If I can get hold of him, I'll-' 'You'd better get the books from him first.' 'But where is he? Do you know?' 'He's in the town police station, locked up, at his own request, in the strongest room in the place.' 'The rat!' said the Invisible Man. 'But that delays your plans a little.' 'We must get those books; those books are necessary.' 'Certainly,' said Kemp, a little anxiously, unsure if he heard footsteps outside. 'Certainly we must get those books. But that won't be difficult, if he doesn't know they're for you.' 'No,' said the Invisible Man, thoughtfully. Kemp tried to think of something to keep the conversation going, but the Invisible Man continued himself. 'Coming into your house, Kemp,' he said, 'changes all my plans. For you are a man who can understand. You are a scientist. You have told no one I am here?'
54
'Not