A SCHERZO 169 



replete with possibilities. Unfortunately, on the 

 evening in question, the besieged had taken the 

 unusual, though one would have thought necessary, 

 precaution of locking the door. Even this did not 

 daunt the ardent spirit of my comrade, who com- 

 menced to rain repeated and lusty blows on the 

 panels, while he simultaneously shouted in a sten- 

 torian voice, "Get up, you fellows, at once I The 

 house is on fire ! The house is on fire ! " 



After a minute's interval the hubbub seemed to 

 have the desired effect, for the unmistakable thud 

 was heard of one of the occupants of the room 

 bounding out of bed, and the door was unbolted 

 and thrown open. 



Then came the totally unexpected. 



I fear that in an emergency my mind does 

 not work with the rapidity which it should do. 

 Leisurely sauntering by river-sides has made me 

 slow. Consequently I found myself, wet sponge in 

 hand, gazing with chapfallen face upon an elderly 

 gentleman whom I had never had the pleasure of 

 meeting before, and of whose existence, until that 

 moment, I was totally unaware, while my agile 

 and quick-witted companion-in-arms melted away — 

 presumably down the before-mentioned side-passage 



