nimously._) I've no wish to 'inder 'im from going wherever he likes,
so long as he pays me fust!

_Pol._ You've no right to touch the man, nor yet his bag; so be careful,
that's all I tell you!

_The E. G._ (_with maudlin enthusiasm_). Pleeshman's perfelly ri'!
Pleeshman always knowsh besht!

[_Tries to pat Policeman on back._

_Pol._ (_his disgust reaching a climax_). 'Ere, don't you go pawin' _me_
about--for I won't '_ave_ it! If _I'm_ right, it's more than what _you_
are, anyhow! Now be off with you, wherever it is you're going to!

_Cabman_ (_desperate_). But look 'ere--can't you take his name and address?

_Pol._ (_rising to the occasion_). Ah! that's what I was waitin' for! Now
you've _ast_ me--now I kin _act_! (_Pulls out a pocket-book full of dirty
memoranda, and a stumpy pencil._) Now then, Sir, your name, if _you_
please?

_The E. G._ (_sleepily_). Shtupid thing a-do, but qui' forgot.... Come out
'ithout mi' name, 'shmornin'!

_Pol._ (_sternly_). That won't do with Me, you know. What's your name? Out
with it!

_The E. G._ (_evidently making a wild shot at it_). FERGUSHON.

[_Smiles, as if he feels sure the Policeman will be
pleased with a name like that_.

_Pol._ JOHN? GEORGE? JAMES?--or what?

_The E. G._ You can purr 'em all down t' me--it don' marrer!

_Pol._ (_briskly_). Where do you live, Mr. FERGUSON?

_The E. G._ (_mechanically_). Shirty-one, Lushington Street, Gargleshbury
Park.

_Pol._ (_writing it down, and giving leaf to Cabman_). There, will _that_
do for you?

_Cabman._ That's all _I_ want. (_To the E. G._) You'll 'ear from me later
on.

_The E. G._ (_affectionately_). Alwaysh pleash'd shee you, any time....
Pleeshman too.... Shorry can't shtop--mos' 'portant bishnish!

_Pol._ Which way do you want to go?

_The E. G._ Earlsh Court.

_Pol._ Then get there, if you're capable of it. And now, you boys, clear
the road, will you?

[_The Elderly Gentleman, smiling in the full conviction
of having extricated himself from a difficult situation
with consummate tact and diplomacy, goes off unsteadily
in the direction of Piccadilly, accompanied by a suite
of small boys who have kindly resolved to see him
through any further adventures that may await his
progress. The Cabman remains to discuss the affair at
great length on the curbstone. The Policeman paces
slowly on, conscious that he has worthily maintained
the dignity of his o