It was thus I came there, to that corner.

I heard the policeman approaching along the side street, and, terrified, sprang into the yard to escape--then--then, I met you." Someone laughed at one of the other tables, and I wheeled about in my chair.

For an instant I believed her voice had been overheard, but instantly realized the mistake and turned back, noticing how she was trembling.
"Tell me," I questioned earnestly, "what caused you to interfere between me and the officer ?" "What! Oh, I hardly know," a touch of hysteria in the nervous exclamation.

"It was just a natural ending to all the rest, I suppose.
I was a criminal in heart, a fugitive; I hated the law, and was afraid of the police.

I merely did what occurred to me first, without thought, volition, purpose.