'Oh, damn it all,' I cried, 'make the fellow shut up. I advise you to leave me alone, constable. Scotland Yard knows all about me, and you'll get a proper wigging if you interfere with me.'
'You've got to come along of me, young man,' said the policeman. 'I saw you strike that gentleman crool'ard. You began it too, for he wasn't doing nothing. I seen you. Best go quietly or I'll have to fix you up.
Exasperation and an overwhelming sense that at no cost must I delay gave me the strength of a bull elephant. I fairly wrenched the constable off his feet,floored the man who was gripping my collar, and set off at my best pace down Duke Street. I heard a whistle being blown, and the rush of men behind me.