The young men elbowed their way in the crowd, and then discovered the cause of the merriment. A gentleman in a tourist’s suit was standing on his head in the middle of the cab rank. He was cheered and encouraged by some of his boon companions, as well as the cab-drivers. “Did you ever see such a consummate donkey――the fool?” ejaculated Kempshead. “He calls himself a gentleman, I suppose?” “Bravo――bravo, well done!” shouted several of the throng. The crowd grew denser and denser, and in a short time the pathway became blocked up. A tall policeman came forward and addressed the simpleton who was making himself so ridiculous. “Now, then, enough of this,” cried the constable. “Do you hear? Give over and move on.” “All right, old man, I’m not hurting you or any one. Mind your own business, and I’ll mind mine.” [Sidenote: No. 18.] [Illustration: ALF GAVE HIS ASSAILANT A BLOW, WHICH SENT HIM REELING.] “Give over, I tell you,” said the policeman. “You are causing an obstruction, and I shall have to take you into custody.” “He’s not doing any harm, Mr. Policeman,” said one of his pals; “he’s only doing it for a wager――let him alone.” “Don’t mind what the bobby says,” called out a voice from the crowd; “he daren’t do anything. A gentleman has a right to amuse himself after his own fashion.” The constable stooped down, caught the offending party round the shoulders, and lifted him on his legs. “Now, you make the best of your way home. If you don’t it will be all the worse for you.” “I’m a gentleman, and shall do as I like, you impudent fellow,” cried the young man in the tourist suit. “Don’t you lay hands on me.” He was not particularly sober, but he knew what he was about――but he was larkish――determined upon having what he called a spree, and appeared to be mischievously disposed. The policeman was resolute, and told him if he endeavoured to repeat the offence he would lock him up. His friends had the prudence to draw him forcibly away. “Did you ever see such a little fool――who on earth is he?” said Peace. “Oh, he’s a gentleman bred and born,” answered one of the bystanders. “There cannot be a moment’s question about that.” “Then he ought to know better.” “He’s eccentric――a little eccentric, playful.” “Ah.” The crowd began to disperse, at the stern demand of the police-officer. In ten minutes after this the little gentleman in the tourist’s suit was again at his mad pranks. He was standing again on his head, near to the corner of Panton-street, and as a natural consequence, another crowd assembled to witness his vagaries. The same policeman again came forward――he had by this time lost all patience with the offender. “Now then,” he cried in an angry tone, “you know what I told you.” “What! may’n’t I amuse myself here then?” argued the young man, perfectly unmoved. “We’ve had enough of this,” answered the constable. “Since you are determined to get yourself into trouble, don’t blame me.”