There was Jaffery holding a squalling girl in one arm and with the other exploring available pockets for his latchkey.

I had one of the inspirations of my life.

I rushed into my bedroom, caught up the ewer from my washstand, went out onto the extreme edge of the balcony and cast the gallon or so of water over the heads of the struggling pair.

The effect was amazing.

Jaffery dropped the girl.
The girl, once on her feet, fled like a cat.