"Can I shove the car in your yard?" inquired Colin.
"Certainly, an' welcome," was the answer. "You sit where you are an' I'll open the gaite for yer."
He produced a key, and, having fumbled for a moment with the rusty padlock, disclosed the entrance to a narrow courtyard, the only occupant of which was a surly-looking, red-eyed bull terrier, who was tethered to an empty barrel.
"She's as saife 'ere as in the perlice station," continued Mr. Higgins, as the car came to a stand-still against the wall. "Saifer, I should say, from wot I seen o' some o' them cops."
"I shouldn't wonder," said Colin with a laugh. He switched off the engine, and, getting out of the car, proceeded to rid himself of his driving gloves. "I don't suppose we shall be very long," he added. "We're only going to have a cup of tea with the doctor."
"You'll find me inside, any'ow," returned Mr. Higgins. He stopped and fixed an admiring glance on Nancy, who was pleasantly employed in tickling the bull terrier's left ear. "See that?" he continued with a chuckle. "Dang me if that don't taike the biscuit. Scratchin' of 'is head saime as if 'e was a little lamb."
"I always select my friends on account of their courage," explained Colin unconcernedly.
He strolled forward to the entrance, where Nancy joined him, and the two of them waited on the pavement while the gate was being refastened. Then, after declining the pressing offer of a little refreshment from Mr. Higgins, they strolled off again along the narrow and unsavoury thoroughfare which is the nearest approach that Shadwell can boast to a main street.
"You mustn't judge the place entirely by its smells and its appearance," said Colin. "You will probably find the people a bit rough at first, but they're a jolly friendly lot really, and they all adore Mark. When they know you're working for him they'll be as nice to you as possible."
"Perhaps they won't have the chance," returned Nancy. "As I said before, the doctor may be one of those extraordinary people who expect to get something useful in return for their money."