…‘ who has been keeping an eye on this house during my absence?”’ Yes, sir,’ I replied, not a little embarrassed, for I felt I had done rather a mean thing in thus spying on him.”I am really very much obliged to you,’ he” went on, ‘ for I find everything is all right; but come in for a moment, I can’t talk to you out there.’ Now, as you are aware, sir, the pay of a policeman is no great shakes — not as much by a long way as that of an ordinary mechanic, who has no responsibilities and very little education — so that when the gentleman fingered his waistcoat- pocket I had visions of something that might come in very useful for my wife and kids. Without unduly singing my own praises, I’m not as selfish as many working men. I only had one child, because…

…the tortures of the damned. My sides blistered, burned and cracked, and I gasped, panted and choked. ‘You are on fire!’ a cowl close beside me shrieked out, ‘ on fire! Augh!How disgusting! We shall all get black and sooty!’”Yes, listen to him roaring! Shouted another, and see how the red sparks fly! I hope he will speedily break, and then there will be an end to him! That can never be!’ thundered the voice of a gigantic, bronze weather-cock in mid-air. He is doomed to suffer to eternity; the fire that burns within him is inextinguishable!””Who is that speaking?” A meek little chimney- pot whispered.”What, don’t you know? Snapped a very” tall and angular cowl. That is Moses — Moses, the usurper of Heaven — Moses the Jew! He is now visiting every city in the world in the guise of a wWhat are his sins?””He is a drunkard!’…

…young woman), came Martha — Martha wearing one of those short skirts so popular with the depraved aristocracy, and her feet — bare!””Only her feet?” I exclaimed. ” Was that all?””All! ‘‘My companion sighed reproachfully —”all! And was not that enough, and more than enough? Bare feet! Oh, how indecent! But I can assure you, much though the devil tempted me, I did not look twice at them. I kept my eyes glued to my cup. And her mother — her mother! Oh, how shocked she was!’ Martha!’ she screamed, clutching hold of me for support, ‘Martha! Are you bereft of your senses? Whatever has come over you? And before Mr. Simpson, of all people!What mortification!’ ‘Well, ma, neither of you need talk!’ Martha retorted, her face one broad, shameless grin. ‘Neither need pa, for he is dealing out the groceries in just the same plight. Oh, what a day…