The penny was forthcoming.
"Do you make any charge?" inquired the conductor, as he handed over the ticket in exchange.
"No," rejoined the lady. "I do not."
"He's got it on him now," asserted the old gentleman in the corner. "If you'll hand him over to a policeman you'll find he has."
"I trust," exclaimed Mr Palliser, "that you'll afford me an opportunity to prove that what this person says is absolutely false."
The young lady stood up.
"Please stop the 'bus. I'm going to get out."
"You call a policeman," persisted the old gentleman. "You'll soon find where your purse is."
"But, madam!" cried Mr Palliser. The 'bus stopped. The young lady began to move towards the door. Bruce Palliser following, appealing to her as he did so. "Madam!--if you will give me your attention for a single instant!"
The young lady alighted. Mr Palliser alighted also. The 'bus went on.