"D'you hear that?"
"Rather," said Tony, getting up. "Let's go and have a look. I've never seen a raging mob."
"Better not, sir," advised the guard. "The town's not safe."
"They may listen to me," said Tony with simple grandeur. He turned to his companion. "Do you feel like playing with fire?"
The little man's eyes sparkled and he breathed quickly. He hesitated a moment with natural caution. Then——
"Yes," he said briefly. "Dash it! I—I feel as if I were beginning to live!"
Tony laughed and opened the door. The guard sighed.
"Well, gentlemen," he said, "don't say I didn't warn you. Anyhow, I'd advise you to leave your money behind and your watches, too."
"The man's a perfect Solon," said Tony, feeling in his trousers pocket. "Here, guard, seven pounds three ... and a watch. If I perish, you may keep them, but remember that the watch needs winding night and morning."
The guard gazed dumbly at the evening dress. Then he turned to the other man, "You anything, sir?"