But now the jam and egg party was joining in the fray. A stout yet

still fairly able-bodied gentleman in white and black checks enquired:

What's the fellow up to? Ain't there no police here?" and it was

evident that once more public opinion was rallying to the support of

Mr. Polly.

Oh, come on then all the LOT of you!" cried Uncle Jim, and backing

dexterously whirled the eel round in a destructive circle. The pink

sunshade was torn from the hand that gripped it and whirled athwart

the complete, but unadorned, tea things on the green table.

"Collar him! Someone get hold of his collar!" cried the

gold-spectacled gentleman, coming out of the scrimmage, retreating up

the steps to the inn door as if to rally his forces.

"Stand clear, you blessed mantel ornaments!" cried Uncle Jim, "stand

clear!" and retired backing, staving off attack by means of the

whirling eel.

Mr. Polly, undeterred by a sense of grave damage done to his nose,

pressed the attack in front, the two young men in violet and blue

skirmished on Uncle Jim's flanks, the man in white and black checks

sought still further outflanking possibilities, and two of the

apprentice boys ran for oars. The gold-spectacled gentleman, as if

inspired, came down the wooden steps again, seized the tablecloth of

the jam and egg party, lugged it from under the crockery with

311

The History of Mr Polly