I'll be out in a jiffy." But the bluecoats would not see it that way.

Miss Vernon was compelled to climb down from the seat and march indignantly into the desk sergeant's presence.

Hugh at once began to explain and to expostulate against what he called an outrage.
"What had we to do with it?
The truth is, I don't know what has happened," he was saying.
"Neither do I," said the bewhiskered sergeant shortly.

"Who are you, sir ?" "These people saw the whole thing, sir.

They were in the hansom when Bernhardt smashed him, an' this felly had ordered him to get to Sherry's in five minutes if he had to kill some one," explained the officer who had first addressed Hugh in the crowd.
"That's a lie," cried Hugh.