"'I am content,' said our reporter.
"At this juncture the first policeman thought he had allowed sufficient time for a decision.
"'Time presses, sir,' he said.
"'Then we had better go to the station,' said our reporter, 'if you persist in your ridiculous charge.'
"'There is nothing else for me to do, sir,' said the policeman.
"'You have no objection to my walking by the side of this lady, keeping yourself out of hearing. I wish to receive instructions from her.'
"'Give me your word, sir, that there will be no attempt at escape.'
"'There shall not be.'
"'It's all right,' said the second policeman, 'you may take the gentleman's word for a good deal more than that. You won't want me.'
"He left them, and our reporter and the woman, preceded by the policeman, who occasionally looked over his shoulder to see that they were following him, walked to the Bow Street Police Station."