"Indeed!" he said. "And may I ask why you changed your mind?" "It was an inspiration," the man answered, easily. "To tell you the truth, the clumsiness of the whole thing grated very much upon me. Personally, I ran no risk, don't think it was that. My escape was very carefully provided for. But one thinks quickly in moments of excitement, and it seemed to me as I took those last few steps that I saw a better way." "A better way," Mannering repeated, puzzled. "I am afraid I don't quite understand you. I presume that you meant to rob me. You would not have found it worth while, by the bye." The man laughed softly. "My dear sir," he exclaimed, "do I look like a robber? Rumour says that you are a poor man. I should think it very likely that, although I am not a rich one, I am at least as well off as you." Mannering looked out no more for the policeman. He was getting interested. "Come," he said, "I should like to understand what all this means. You were going to tap me on the head with this particularly unpleasant weapon, and your motive was not robbery. I am not aware of ever having seen you before. I am not aware of having an enemy in the world. Explain yourself." "I should be charmed," the man answered. "I do not wish to keep you standing here, however. Will you allow me to walk with you towards your home? You can retain possession of that little trifle, if you like," he added, pointing to the weapon which was still in Mannering's hand. "I can assure you that I have nothing else of the sort in my possession. You can feel my pockets, if you like." "I will take your word!" Mannering said. "I was on my way to Portland Crescent, but I fancy that I have taken a wrong turn." "We can get there this way," the man answered. "Excuse me one second." He paused, and lit a cigarette. Then with his hands behind his back he stepped out by Mannering's side. "What was that you said just now?" he remarked, "that you were not aware of having an enemy in the world? My dear sir, there was never a more extraordinary delusion. I should seriously doubt whether in the whole of the United Kingdom there is a man who has more. I know myself of a million or so who would welcome the news of your death to-morrow. I know of a select few who have opened, and will open their newspapers to-morrow, and for the next few days, in the hope of seeing your obituary notice." A light commenced to break in upon Mannering. He looked towards his companion incredulously. "You mean political opponents!" he exclaimed. "Is that what you are driving at all the time?" The man laughed softly. "My friend," he said--"excuse me, Mr. Mannering--you remind me irresistibly of _Punch's_ cartoon last week--the ostrich politician with his head in the sand. You have thrust yours very deep down indeed, when you talk of political opponents. Do you know what they call you in the North, sir?" "No!" "The enemy of the people! It isn't a pleasant title, is it?"