It seemed ages before he could form the impulse to move in any direction for any definite purpose. He was on the point of making up his mind to lay the bundle on the doorstep when he sensed a heavy step from behind and was paralyzed by the gruff ejaculation:
“Well, I’ll be damned!”
Barnes twisted his head and beheld a big, deep-chested policeman––a haughty domineering policeman––who 183 showed in every inch of him that the gods had anointed him above the mere ranks of mortal patrolmen.
“Take it! take it!” cried Barnes, extending the bundle toward the uniformed presence. “It’s not mine,” he almost shrieked. “A woman gave it to me––and I have a very important engagement and must hurry.”
Sergeant McGinnis––for ’twas none other––drew back and waved the bundle from him.
“Just a minute, my young friend,” he spoke through one side of his large mouth. “You’ll hold that infant till its mother comes or you’ll go with me to the police station and tell your story to the captain.”
“But I can’t wait,” wailed Barnes. “I’ve got to find a policeman.”
“A policeman, eh? Well, here’s one for you, and a sergeant at that.”
“I mean a friend. It’s horribly important. I’ll give you anything you ask if you’ll only take this howling bundle.”
“None o’ that, young feller,” McGinnis snapped him up. “You’ll give me nothing and you’ll come sharp and straight to the station. Now I know there’s something back o’ this.”