A man replied who was standing among those who were farthest off; he spoke as if the question had offended him.
'I ain't 'omeless--no fear! I've got as food a 'ome as anyone need want to 'ave; 'm none o' yer outcasts.'
'Then why do you not go to it?'
'Why? I am a-goin', ain't I? I suppose I can go 'ome when I like, without none o' your interference!'
The man slouched off, grumbling as he went, his hands thrust deep into his trousers pockets, his head sunk between his shoulders. And with him the rest of those who were left went too, some of them sneaking off across the grass, further into the heart of the park, bent nearly double, so as to get as much as possible into the shadow.
The cause of this sudden and general flight was made plain by the approach of a policeman, shouting:
'Now, then! Gates going to be closed! Out you go!'
The Stranger asked of him: 'May I not stay here and sleep upon the grass?
The policeman laughed, as if he thought the question was a joke.
'Not much you mayn't! Grass is damp--might catch cold--take too much care of you for that.'