'Ow, Elbert,' I ses, 'I'd go to the Devil for you, an' smile all the way.' 'E laughed an' laughed.

'Come on,' 'e ses, 'to-day's an 'oliday.' Though it wasn't, it was a Tuesday in August.

'Come on,' 'e ses, 'get yer best 'at on,' an' 'e gives me a yaller rose, for me button-'ole.

A year ago come August, thet was.

I follered Elbert at a run all up the City Road, an' near the Angel we took a taxi.