It tried to
sit down, was hauled up by the reins, and stood trembling as the right
wheel of the cab collided with the pavement edge, and the water in the
gutter splashed up as if projected from a spray.
"Beg pardon, gents. I thought it was a bit further on," said the cabby,
leering down cheerfully. "Nice night, sir, ain't it?"
He shook the reluctant drops of moisture from his waterproof-shrouded
hat, and drove off.
Valentine opened the damp iron gate, and they walked up the paved alley
to the door.
CHAPTER IV
THE EUSTON ROAD EPISODE
Opening the door, they found themselves in a squalid passage. A room on
the left was fronted by a sort of counter, above which was a long window
giving onto the passage, and as the shrill tinkle of a bell announced
their entrance this window was pushed up, and the large red face and
furtive observant eyes of a man stared upon them inquiringly.
"Do you require a room for the night?" he asked, in a husky voice,
invaded by a strong French accent. "Because--"
"No," interrupted Julian.
The man nodded, and, strange to say, with apparent content.
"There is trouble in my house," he said. "I am unlucky; I come to England
from my country to earn an honest living, and before two years, I have
the police here last night.
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