The alarm had gone back to the town and we could see the mob coming up the mines' road.

My word, it was a close shave." He mopped his brow with trembling hand and smiled feebly at his countrymen for support.

The colour was coming back into their faces and they could smile with the usual British indifference.
"A very close shave, my crimes!" vouchsafed the stumpy gentleman who kept the books at the bank.
"It's an ill wind that blows all evil," said Deppingham.

"Mr.Bowles, you are most welcome.

We were a bit short of able-bodied soldiers.