Cuthbertson, and confide to him
everything that had happened during this extraordinary day.
As the cab ascended Ludgate Hill it passed through crowds of people
moving in the same direction. Gammon was for a moment surprised,
then he called to mind again that it was New Year's Eve; the people
were thronging to hear St. Paul's strike the hour of midnight. Last
year he had himself joined in this celebration. He remembered with a
smile that he reached home by circuitous routes, and after one or
two short intervals of repose on convenient doorsteps. What was
more, on that very night he had first made Greenacre's acquaintance
at a bar; they swore eternal brotherhood, and Greenacre borrowed
half a sovereign, never repaid.
With Gammon's help the cabman found his way to the Bilboes.
"Don't get out," he said to his companion. "I'll ask if he has
come."
Lord Polperro suddenly aroused himself and tumbled out of the
vehicle; but for Gammon's attention he would have fallen full
length. They entered together, and by a confused process of inquiry
learnt that Greenacre was still absent.
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