Henry found that his hat was on his head, that he was withdrawn from the crowd, that he and the policeman together were moving towards Panton Street. Endeavours had been made to find the other man. There was apparently no Other Man. There had never been one according to one shrill-voiced lady.
"Now what's all this about?" asked the policeman. His tone was fatherly and even affectionate.
"I—hit him," said Henry, panting.
"Well, where is 'e?" asked the policeman, vaguely looking about.
"I don't know. I don't care. You can arrest me if you like," panted Henry.
"Well, I ought to give you in charge by rights," said the policeman, "but seeing as the other feller's 'ooked it—— What did you do it for?"
"I'm not going to say."
"You'll have to say if I take you to Bow Street."
"You can if you like."
The policeman looked at Henry, shaking his head. "It's the War," he said. "You wouldn't believe what a number of seemingly peaceable people are knocking one another about. You don't look very savage. You'll have to give me your name and address."