“I fear you do not catch my meaning,” returned Mr. Lavender, whose whole body was aching from his fall; “it is my public life which tries me.”
“Well, then, I should chuck it,” said the policeman.
“Really?” murmured Mr. Lavender eagerly, “would you?”
“Why not?” said the policeman.
So excited was Mr. Lavender by this independent confirmation of his sudden longing that he took out half a crown.
“You will oblige me greatly,” he said, “by accepting this as a token of my gratitude.”
“Well, sir, I'll humour you,” answered the policeman; “though it was no trouble, I'm sure; you're as light as a feather. Goin' anywhere in particular?” he added.
“Yes,” said Mr. Lavender, rather faintly, “the Tube Station.”
“Come along with me, then.”
Mr. Lavender went along, not sorry to have the protection of that stalwart form, for his nerve was shaken, not so much by physical suffering as by the revelation he had received.