“I’ve taken it out of Pick,” and he stopped short. “I got my two hundred francs worth,” the artist of the London Mirror proceeded, “and now I shall feel bound to return you yours—the first time I have it,” he ended, vaguely.

Braith made an impatient gesture.

“Are you under arrest?”

“Yes, I am. He couldn’t help it,” smiling agreeably at the Sergeant de Ville. “He saw me hit him.”

The policeman looked stolid.

“But what excuse?” began Braith.

“Oh! none! Pick just passed me, and I felt as if I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I pitched in.”

“Well, and now you’re in for fine and imprisonment.”

“I suppose so,” said Bulfinch, beaming.

“Have you any money with you?”