The street, save for a distant and presumably somnolent policeman, was deserted.

The thick-set man crossed to the other side of the way, quickened his steps, overtook and passed Brown, recrossed and sauntered toward him.

A moment later there was a collision between them, voices were raised in angry altercation and presently Brown was rolling undignifiedly on the pavement, his calls for the police rending the stillness of the night.

The officer hastily approached, whistling wildly for aid.

Gottlieb and I took refuge in an adjacent doorway.