"Well, if you've anything to say to me you'll have to wait a bit, that's all.
I've got some clothes I can't leave all in a scurry like this.

I'll send Alf in to keep you company." Burton sighed but accepted his fate.

For a few moments he sat upon the sofa and gazed around at the hopeless little room.

Then, in due course, the door was pushed open and Alfred appeared, his hair shiny, his cheeks redolent of recent ablutions, more than a trifle reluctant.

His conversation was limited to a few monosyllables and a whoop of joy at the receipt of a shilling.