224 THE COMPLETE SPORTSMAN 



Nelson's Column, and as we stationed ourselves 

 at the breeziest corner of the plinth my cousin 

 and I foresaw that we should not have long to 

 wait before carrying out the second part of our 

 morning's programme. 



In less than ten minutes a particularly violent 

 gust of wind swept down the square, and, as we 

 had hoped, lifted the hat from an old gentleman's 

 head and bore it gracefully away towards Char- 

 ing Cross. Before its owner had time to start 

 in pursuit, I was at his elbow and had placed a 

 delaying hand upon his shoulder. 



" What is it ?" he inquired pettishly, while 

 the truant hat careered madly across the path 

 of approaching omnibuses. 



" Excuse me," I remarked politely, " but I 

 thought I ought to tell you ; your hat has blown 

 off!" 



With a muttered oath the old gentleman 

 shook me off, and was once more about to dart 

 away in search of his headgear when George 

 stopped him. 



" What do you want ?" roared our victim, by 

 this time completely upset. 



" I beg your pardon," said George in his suavest 

 tones. '' I trust you will forgive me for mention- 

 ing it ; but I felt you would like to be told. The 

 fact is, sir, your — your hat has blown off !" 



At this moment a gallant policeman, risking 



