"Get on with you," said the officer.
"Now's your time," remarked the Captain. "Slip in between the two lines and you'll get through."
Kilshaw and his volunteer escort accepted the suggestion, and, linking arms, walked down-stairs. The Captain, after a brief inward struggle, followed them. Their appearance at the Club door was the signal for fresh hoots and groans.
"Now then, are you going?" said the officer to Big Todd.
The burly fellow cast a look round on his supporters.
"When I'm tired o' being here," he answered.
Kilshaw's band slipped in between the first and
second rank. The officer touched his horse with the spur, and it sprang forward. Big Todd, with an oath, caught the bridle, and another man seized the rider by the leg. He struck out sharply, and the line of police moved forward.
"Stand up to 'em, boys," cried Big Todd, and he aimed a blow with his stick at his antagonist.
The young men round Kilshaw looked at one another and began to press forward. They wanted to join in.