But he was too soft and flabby to avail much, and I dragged him back
helplessly with tightened grip, only too delighted to try conclusions
with him.

At this moment the conductor appeared upon the scene, and began to
expostulate loudly.

"Here, I say, what's all this? It can't be allowed. No fighting and
quarrelling are permitted."

"Well, then, people must behave themselves," I retorted. "Don't let
this chap annoy your passengers."

"I have done nothing to annoy them," stammered the other. "You shall
answer for this. I've done no harm."

"I'll see you don't. Get in there and stay there;" and with that I
forced him, almost flung him, into his compartment, where he fell
panting upon the velvet sofa.

"You'd better keep an eye on him," I said to the conductor, who was
inclined to be disagreeable, and was barely pacified by a couple of
five-franc pieces. "Fellows of this sort are apt to be a nuisance, and
we must take care of the ladies."

As I said this I saw Mrs. Blair's face peering out beyond her door a
little nervously, but she ventured to come right out and along the
passage towards me.

"What has happened? I heard some noise, high words, a scuffle."