He
neared the head of the stairs, the women falling back before him.
"Mind what you're up to," he was heard to shout good-humouredly as
ever. "If you trip me we shall both break our blessed necks."
"How dare you!" shrieked the voice of the captive, now growing
hoarse. "I'll give you in charge the minute I get downstairs! Ugly
beast, I'll give you all in charge!"
The descent began. But that Polly was slightly made, a man of
Gammon's physique would have found it impossible to carry her down
the stairs; as it was he soon began puffing and groaning. In spite
of the risk Polly still struggled--two stair-railings were wrenched
away on the first flight. Then appeared Mr. and Mrs. Cheeseman, red
and perspiring with muffled laughter.
"You may laugh, you wretches!" Polly shrieked. "I'll give you all in
charge, see if I don't. You've all took part in an assault--see what
you'll get for it!"
After that she no longer resisted, except for an occasional kick on
her bearer's shins. They reached the ground floor; they tottered
into the parlour; close upon them followed Mrs.
Pages:
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131