Gammon was for a moment surprised, then he called to mind again that it was New Year's Eve; the people were thronging to hear St.Paul's strike the hour of midnight.

Last year he had himself joined in this celebration.

He remembered with a smile that he reached home by circuitous routes, and after one or two short intervals of repose on convenient doorsteps.

What was more, on that very night he had first made Greenacre's acquaintance at a bar; they swore eternal brotherhood, and Greenacre borrowed half a sovereign, never repaid.
With Gammon's help the cabman found his way to the Bilboes.
"Don't get out," he said to his companion.

"I'll ask if he has come." Lord Polperro suddenly aroused himself and tumbled out of the vehicle; but for Gammon's attention he would have fallen full length.