I seated myself on a table and lighted a cigarette. Then:

"I wonder how he'll like his new place," I said, apostrophizing
the skylight.

A pause. Then:

"Of corse, the guv'nor might be in," said the youth. "Yer never
knows."

"Speak for yourself," said I. "At the same time, you appear to
be doing what you conceive to be your duty. And for those who do
their duty, there is always a shilling in the left-hand
trouser-pocket- "

But the boy was half-way upstairs. I had proved my identity.

Five minutes later one of the partners was conducting me in the
direction of the baths.

Now he had twice begged me to be careful not to hit my head, for
he led me through divers dark, low-pitched corridors. Especially
divers. I remembered his warning about a fifth of a second too
late.

When we at length emerged again into the broad light of day, I
contemplated my new bowler in some annoyance. It was bashed in
properly. A large dent- in shape somewhat resembling the Empire
of India- leered at me, its edges generously defined with
whitewash. Very trying.