I crept close. She was a jolly, red-
faced girl, good-looking enough, but common to the last degree. Her hat
lay on the seat beside her, and her head was resting on his shoulder. She
appeared to be fond of him, but he was evidently bored.
"'Don'tcher like me, Joe?' I heard her murmur.
"'Yas,' he replied, somewhat unconvincingly, 'o' course I likes yer.'
"She gave him an affectionate slap, but he did not respond, and a few
minutes afterwards, muttering some excuse, he rose and left her, and I
followed him as he made his way towards the refreshment-room. At the
door he met one of his pals.
"'Hullo!' was the question, 'wot 'a yer done wi' 'Liza?'
"'Oh, I carn't stand 'er,' was his reply; 'she gives me the bloomin'
'ump. You 'ave a turn with 'er.'
"His friend disappeared in the direction of 'Liza, and Joe pushed into
the room, I keeping close behind him. Now that he was alone I was
determined to speak to him. The longer I had studied his features the
more resemblance I had found in them to those of my superior friend
Joseph.
"He was leaning across the bar, clamouring for two of gin, when I tapped
him on the shoulder. He turned his head, and the moment he saw me, his
face went livid.
"'Mr. Joseph Smythe, I believe,' I said with a smile.
"'Who's Mr.
Pages:
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212