264 GARRYOWEN 



He backed into Cork Street, and then, turning 

 again into Vigo Street, passed into Regent Street. 



*' How far is it, did you say, to Miss Hitchen's? " 

 asked Mr Giveen. 



" I didn't say — but it's not far — at least, with 

 this car. Are you used to motors? " 



" No, faith, I've never driven in one before. And 

 are you used to driving them? " 



" Oh, pretty weU." 



" Do you ever have accidents? " 



"Accidents! Rather. That's half the fun. 

 The last accident I had the car turned turtle and 

 pinned the fellow that was with me under the 

 engine; the petrol spilt on him and a spark set it 

 on fire — " 



" Good God! " said the horrified Giveen. 

 " Was he burnt? " 



" Was who burnt? " 



" The chap with the petrol on him." 



" Burnt! Why, they gathered up his ashes in 

 a bucket. Didn't you read about it in the papers? " 



" No," said Mr Giveen; " I didn't." 



They passed down the Strand; the night was 

 clear and warm for the time of the year — a fortun- 

 ate circumstance for Mr Giveen, as he had no over- 

 coat. They passed up Fleet Street, by St Paul's, 

 and down Bishopsgate Street. 



"Is it anywhere near here? " asked Giveen, as 

 they passed Whitechapel Church and turned into 

 the old coaching road to IKord. 



" Is what near here? " asked Bobby. 



