"I expect she likes nice, quiet men," said Koko.
"Not she," returned Jim with conviction.
"A nice, quiet, home-loving man--not a man who shouts, and swears, and behaves like an over-grown schoolboy," persisted Mr George Somers.
"You're very severe to-night, my bald-headed young friend," quoth the Long 'Un, with supreme good-humour.
"Never mind about my head," said Koko; "think what yours will be like in the morning."
"But it is to-night!" cried the Long 'Un, "it is to-night, and I mean to go the whole hog. Let the morning take care of itself. It is to-night; I have seen her; I know her; and now I am enjoying myself very much."
"You are also," added Koko, "on the verge of intoxication."
"Very near the verge," whooped the Long 'Un.
The cab was approaching Hyde Park Corner when Jim raised the little trap-door above his head.
"I've changed my mind, cabby; drive back to the Empire."