e. Yes, ma'am. And I'm going
to have another."

"I stepped to the door of the taxi, threw it open, and shouted to
Farrell to tumble out.

"'Wha's matter?' he asked sleepily. 'Where are we?'

"'We're on the edge of Putney Heath,' said I.

"'Ri'!' said he in a murmur. 'You're true friend. First turning
to the left and keep straight on. Second gate on Common pasht
pillar-box.'

"I haled him forth. 'Look here,' said I. 'Pull yourself together.
I find that we've, in our innocence, abducted this lady, who happened
to be resting in the taxi when you jumped in.'

"Farrell, making a mental effort, blinked hard. 'That accounts for
it,' said he. 'Thought I felt something wrong when I sat down.'

"'That being so,' I went on, 'you will agree that our first duty, as
we are chivalrous men, is to restore her to her relatives.'

"'B'all means,' he agreed heartily. 'R'shtore her. Why not?'

"'As it happens, she has a sister living in Pimlico.'

"'They all--' he began: but I was on the watch and fielded the ball
smartly.

"'And you, unless I'm mistaken,' said I, 'are a member of the
National Liberal Club?'

"'We all--' he began again, and checked himself to gaze on me with
admiration. 'Shay that again,' he demanded. "'You are a member of
the National Liberal Club?' I repeated.

"'I am,' he owned; 'but I couldn' pr'nounce it just at this moment,
not for a tenner. An' you've said it twice! Tha's what I call
carryin' liquor like a gentleman: or else you've studied
voice-producsh'n. Wish I'd studied voice-producsh'n, your age.
Usheful, County Council.'

"'County Council!' put in the lady sharply. 'Don't tell me!'

"'He's but a candidate at present, ma'am,' I explained.

"She eyed us both suspiciously. 'No kid, is it?' she asked.
'You ain't a dress-clothes detective? What? . . . Then, as between a
lady and a gentleman, why haven't you introduced him? It's usual.'

"'So it is, ma'am. Forgive me, this is Mr. Peter Farrell.
Mr. Farrell, the--the--Lady Petunia.'

"'And very delicately you done it, young man.' The Lady Petunia
bowed amiably. 'This ain't no--this isn't--no time nor place for
taking advantages and compromising.' She pitched her voice higher
and addressed Farrell. 'I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, if I
caught your name correctly. Mr. Farrell?--and of the National
Liberal Club? The address is sufficient, sir. It carries its own
recommendation--though I had hoped for the Constit