Very often I wrote till after midnight, but occasionally I got my quantum finished much earlier, and then I used to treat myself to a ramble about the streets.

I can recall exactly the places where some of my best ideas came to me.

You remember the scene in Prendergast's lodgings?
That flashed on me late one night as I was turning out of Leicester Square into the slum that leads to Clare Market; ah, how well I remember! And I went home to my garret in a state of delightful fever, and scribbled notes furiously before going to bed.' 'Don't trouble; it'll all come back to you.' 'But in those days I hadn't to think of money.

I could look forward and see provision for my needs.

I never asked myself what I should get for the book; I assure you, that never came into my head--never.