"AS I WATCHED."
"'Old on," said the conductor, "we're all goin' 'ome to tea."
A policeman crossed from the opposite corner.
"'Igher up there!" he remarked, dispassionately.
"Look 'ere, constable," said the conductor, "'ere's a job in your line." Then his tone became official. "I 'ereby give this man in chawge for picking pockets."
"Oh," said the policeman, scattering the bunch of people gathered round the step.
"I see him—and this gentleman 'ere see him," said the conductor. "'Tain't the first time, neither. Old 'and, he is; that's what he is."
The doorway was now blocked by the policeman's form.
"That ain't good enough for me," he said. "Any of you ladies and gentlemen lost anything?"