" On this
occasion the Admiral, who had been prevailed upon to leave his bed,
executed a manoeuvre the audacity of which should have commanded
success.
He crossed the road, and opened a conversation with the driver.
But success does not always wait on the brave. The van-driver
happened to have a temper as short as the Admiral's, and far less
reverence.
"Good-morning," said the Admiral, cheerily.
"Mornin'."
"What's a-foot to-day?"
"Same as yesterday--twelve inches."
The Admiral was rather taken aback, but smiled, nevertheless, and
persevered.
"Ha, ha! very good. You are a wit, I perceive."
But the driver's conversation teemed with the unexpected.
"Look 'ere, Ruby-face! give me any more of your sass an' I'll punch
yer 'ed for tuppence."
This was conclusive. The Admiral struck his flag, re-crossed the
street, went indoors, and had it out with Mrs. Buzza. Indeed, at the
end of half-an-hour that poor lady's feelings were so overwrought,
and, in consequence, her sobs so loud, that the Admiral had perforce
to get out his double-bass and play a selection of martial music to
prevent Miss Limpenny's hearing them on the other side of the
partition.
All this happened early in the afternoon. Towards five o'clock Miss
Limpenny, who had only left her post twice, and on each occasion to
snatch a hurried meal, was rewarded for her patience.
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