He got off the street car at Patissia Road and turned to his right. When he came to a large house, standing somewhat back from the road, he stopped short. An older boy, also with a shoeblack’s box beside him, was leaning against the railings of the enclosure.
“Is this the Central Police Station?” inquired Aleko.
“Yes.”
“Does the Chief of the Police live here?”
The older boy stared at him.
“He does not live here, he has a fine house of his own near the Palace, but he comes here every day. I know, because this is my stand, and I see him when he comes and goes.”
Then Aleko asked another question.
“Does the ‘boya’ bring the dogs he catches here?”
“He brings them here first, to be counted, and then he takes them down there.” And the strange shoeblack jerked with his thumb over his shoulder towards the Homonoia[15] Square.
“Down where?”