"And yet," said the Lord Mayor, "we must be very cautious."
"Oh, very—very cautious," cried Villimay.
"But a bold front is the best," remarked Sir Richard.
"Yes. As you say, sir, there's nothing like a bold front," cried Villimay.
Sir Richard, with a quiet smile, said to the under secretary—
"A very obliging person, you perceive, Mr. Villimay is."
"Oh, very," laughed the secretary.
Preceded now by the churchwarden, they all made their way towards the church, but the watchman at the corner of Chancery Lane must have had something upon his mind, he was so very wakeful, for after they had all passed but Crotchet, he looked out of his box, and said—"Thieves!"
"What's that to you?" said Crotchet, facing him with a look of defiance, "eh? Can't you be quiet when you is told?"
"Murder!" said the watchman, as he began to fumble for his rattle.