partially intoxicated volunteers with views of their own about the

manipulation of the apparatus. Two or three lengths of Mr. Rusper's

garden hose appeared to have twined themselves round the ladder. Mr.

Polly watched the struggle with a certain impatience, and glanced ever

and again over his shoulder at the increasing volume of smoke and

steam that was pouring up from the burning fire station. He decided to

break an attic window and get in, and so try and get down through the

shop. He found himself in a little bedroom, and returned to fetch his

charge. For some time he could not make her understand his purpose.

Got to come at once!" he shouted.

I hain't 'ad sich a time for years!" said the old lady.

We'll have to get down through the house!"

Can't do no jumpin'," said the old lady. "No!"

She yielded reluctantly to his grasp.

She stared over the parapet. "Runnin' and scurrying about like black

beetles in a kitchin," she said.

We've got to hurry."

Mr. Rumbold 'E's a very Quiet man. 'E likes everything Quiet. He'll

241

The History of Mr Polly