Page:A Damsel in Distress.pdf/49

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46
A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

drawn all this flattering attention from the many-headed and who appeared considerably ruffled by the publicity, had been puffing noisily during the foregoing conversation. Now, having recovered sufficient breath to resume the attack, he addressed himself to George once more.

“Damn you, sir, will you let me look inside that cab?”

“Leave me,”’ said George; “I would be alone.”

“There is a young lady in that cab. I saw her get in, and I have been watching ever since and she has not got out, so she is there now.”

George nodded approval of this close reasoning.

“Your argument seems to be without a flaw. But what then? We applaud the Man of Logic, but what of the Man of Action? What are you going to do about it?”

“Get out of my way!”

“I won't.”

“Then I'll force my way in!”

“Tf you try it I shall infallibly bust you one on the jaw.”

The stout young man drew back a pace.

“You can’t do that sort of thing, you know.”

“I know I can’t,” said George, “but I shall. In this life, my dear sir, we must be prepared for every emergency. We must distinguish between the unusual and the impossible. It would be unusual for a comparative stranger to lean out of a cab window and soak you one, but you appear to have laid your plans on the assumption that it would be impossible. Let this be a lesson to you!”

“T tell you what it is——

“The advice I give to every young man starting life