MR. WORMINGTON.

[_To himself, looking at MR. POSKET'S shirt front._] How very extraordinary--he is wearing no cravat whatever!

MR. POSKET.

[_b.u.t.toning up his coat to avoid MR. WORMINGTON'S gaze._] Anything important this morning?

MR. WORMINGTON.

Nothing particular after the first charge, a serious business arising out of the raid on the "Hotel des Princes."

MR. POSKET.

[_Starting._] "Hotel des Princes?"

MR. WORMINGTON.

Inspector Messiter found six persons supping there at one o'clock this morning. Two contrived to escape.

MR. POSKET.

Dear me--I am surprised--I mean, did they?

MR. WORMINGTON.

But they left their overcoats behind them, and it is believed they will be traced.

MR. POSKET.

Oh, do you--do you think it is worth while? The police have a great deal to occupy them just now.

MR. WORMINGTON.

But surely if the police see their way to capture anybody we had better raise no obstacle.

MR. POSKET.

No--no--quite so--never struck me.

MR. WORMINGTON.

[_Referring to charge sheet._] The remaining four it was found necessary to take into custody.

MR. POSKET.

Good gracious! What a good job the other two didn't wait. I beg your pardon--I mean--you say we have four?

MR. WORMINGTON.

Yes, on the charge of obstructing the police. The first a.s.sault occurred in the supper-room--the second in the four-wheeled cab on the way to the station. There were five persons in the cab at the time--the two women, the two men, and the Inspector.

MR. POSKET.

Dear me, it must have been a very complicated a.s.sault. Who are the unfortunate people?

MR. WORMINGTON.

The men are of some position. [_Reading._] "Alexander Lukyn, Colonel"----

MR. POSKET.

Lukyn! I--I--know Colonel Lukyn; we are old schoolfellows.

MR. WORMINGTON.

Very sad! [_Reading._] The other is "Horace, &c. &c.

Vale--Captain--Shropshire Fusiliers."

MR. POSKET.

And the ladies?

MR. WORMINGTON.

Call themselves, "Alice Emmeline Fitzgerald and Harriet Macnamara."

MR. POSKET.

[_To himself._] Which is the lady who was under the table with me?

MR. WORMINGTON.

They are not recognised by the police at present, but they furnish incorrect addresses, and their demeanour is generally violent and unsatisfactory.

MR. POSKET.

[_To himself._] Who pinched me--Alice or Harriet?

MR. WORMINGTON.

I mention this case because it seems to be one calling for most stringent measures.

MR. POSKET.

Wouldn't a fine, and a severe warning from the Bench, to the two persons who have got away----

MR. WORMINGTON.

I think not. Consider, Mr. Posket, not only defying the licensing laws, but obstructing the police!