'Then I shall be compelled to give you a lesson,' said Falconer.
The man's only answer was a shake that made the woman cry out.
'I shall get into trouble if you get off,' said Falconer to her. 'Will you promise me, on your word, to go with me to the station, if I rid you of the fellow?'
'I will, I will,' said the woman.
'Then, look out,' said Falconer to the policeman; 'for I'm going to give you that lesson.'
The officer let the woman go, took his baton, and made a blow at Falconer. In another moment—I could hardly see how—he lay in the street.
'Now, my poor woman, come along,' said Falconer.
She obeyed, crying gently. Two other policemen came up.
'Do you want to give that woman in charge, Mr. Falconer?' asked one of them.
'I give that man in charge,' cried his late antagonist, who had just scrambled to his feet. 'Assaulting the police in discharge of their duty.'