We smoke and sing at the
same time; we quarrel and make love--the latter in somewhat
primitive fashion; we roll about with the rolling of the train; we
nod into hoggish sleep.
The platform at Holborn Viaduct; and there, to Pennyloaf's terror,
it is seen that Clem Peckover and her satellites have come by the
same train. She does her best to get Bob quickly away, but Clem
keeps close in their neighbourhood. Just as they issue from the
station Pennyloaf feels herself bespattered from head to foot with
some kind of fluid; turning, she is aware that all her enemies have
squirts in their hands, and are preparing for a second discharge of
filthy water. Anguish for the ruin of her dress overcomes all other
fear; she calls upon Bob to defend her.
But an immediate conflict was not Jack Bartley's intention. He and
those with him made off at a run, Bob pursuing as closely as his
unsteadiness would permit. In this way they all traversed the short
distance to Clerkenwell Green, either party echoing the other's
objurgations along the thinly-peopled streets. At length arrived the
suitable moment. Near St. James's Church Jack Bartley made a stand,
and defied his enemy to come on.
Pages:
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236