He drew the constable quickly upon one side and spoke rapidly and earnestly to him for some moments. At the end of these whispered explanations the constable closed his pocket-book with a snap, and pointed across the way in the direction of the Writer's chambers.
The Writer nodded.
The constable touched his forehead significantly at the side of his helmet.
Once again the Writer nodded.
"Very well," said the constable, "if you are the one who looks after him, you can go; better get him home as quickly as you can."
Amidst a parting ironical cheer the Writer hastily seized the worthy Lord Mayor by the arm and broke through the assembled crowd with all possible speed.
As they passed upon their way one small incident, however, caused the
Writer grave misgiving.
A tall man who had undoubtedly watched the whole proceeding nodded to him and remarked sarcastically, as he passed—
"Good-night; a really most interesting and illuminating episode."
Having safely gained his own abode, the Writer gazed apprehensively out of the window.