The canopy kept pace with her, closing behind.

And in this way the procession set out to cross Lincoln's Inn Fields amid cheers and shouts of "Pretty Polly Peachum!" It would seem as though the services of Polly's protectors were not wholly unneeded.

As she emerged from the door and the gallants closed round her there was a sudden movement in the mob, a fellow forced his way through, hurling curses at anyone who tried to stop him.

Apparently his object was to get to a man standing close to the bodyguard.

Anyway, when the intruder was behind this man a woman's scream pierced the din of voices, then came the report of a pistol and the man staggered.