I have no doubt whatever but that the object of the men who have taken my taxicab is to leave me in the street here alone under circumstances which will render a quick attack upon me likely to be successful." The policeman turned his head and looked at Laverick incredulously.
He was more than half inclined to believe that this was a practical joke.

Were they not standing on the pavement in Chancery Lane, and was not he an able-bodied policeman of great bulk and immense muscle! Yet his companion did not look by any means a man of the nervous order.

Laverick was broad-shouldered, his skin was tanned a wholesome color, his bearing was the bearing of a man prepared to defend himself at any time.

The constable smiled in a non-committal manner.
"If you'll excuse my saying so, sir," he remarked, "I don't think this is exactly the spot any one would choose for an assault." "I agree with you," Laverick answered, "but, on the other hand, you must remember that these gentlemen have had no choice.

I stepped from my office direct into the taxi, and I proposed to drive straight from here to the place where I shall probably leave the other document I am carrying with me.