“IF YOU’RE THE NEW BOOTS,” HE SAID MAJESTICALLY, “GO ROUND TO THE BACK DOOR.”
He then shut the door in William’s face. William, on the top step, considered the question for a few minutes. It was dark and cold, with every prospect of becoming darker and colder. He decided to be the new Boots. He found his way round to the back door and knocked firmly. It was opened by a large woman in a print dress and apron.
“What y’ want?” she said aggressively.
“He said,” said William firmly, “to come round if I was the new Boots.”
The woman surveyed him in grim disapproval.
“You bin round to the front?” she said. “Nerve!”
Her disapproval increased to suspicion.
“Where’s your things?” she said.
“Comin’,” said William without a moment’s hesitation.