wholesome color, his bearing was the bearing of a man prepared to
defend himself at any time. The constable smiled in a non-committal
manner.

"If you'll excuse my saying so, sir," he remarked, "I don't think
this is exactly the spot any one would choose for an assault."

"I agree with you," Laverick answered, "but, on the other hand, you
must remember that these gentlemen have had no choice. I stepped
from my office direct into the taxi, and I proposed to drive straight
from here to the place where I shall probably leave the other
document I am carrying with me. Why I have taken you into my
confidence is to ask you this. Can you walk with me to the corner
of the street, or until we meet a taxicab? it sounds cowardly, but,
as a matter of fact, I am not afraid. I simply want to make sure
of delivering this document to the person to whom it belongs."

The constable stood still, a little perplexed.

"My beat, sir," he said, "only goes about twenty-five yards further
on. I will walk to the corner of Holborn with you, if you desire
it. At the same time, I may say that I am breaking regulations.
How do I know that it is not your scheme to get me away from this
neighborhood for some purpose of your own?"

"You don't believe anything of the sort," Laverick declared, with
a smile.

"I do not, sir," the policeman admitted. "Keep by my side, and I
think that nothing will happen to you before we reach Holborn."