Page:The Invisible Man - A Grotesque Romance.djvu/141

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In the Jolly Cricketers

After me! For Gawd's sake! Elp! Elp! Elp!"

"Shut the doors," said the policeman. "Who's coming? What's the row?" He went to the door, released the strap, and it slammed. The American closed the other door.

"Lemme go inside," said Marvel, staggering and weeping, but still clutching the books. "Lemme go inside. Lock me in—somewhere. I tell you he 's after me. I give him the slip. He said he 'd kill me and he will."

"You 're safe," said the man with the black beard. "The door 's shut. What 's it all about?"

"Lemme go inside," said Marvel, and shrieked aloud as a blow suddenly made the fastened door shiver and was followed by a hurried rapping and a shouting outside. "Hullo," cried the policeman, "who 's there?" Mr. Marvel began to make frantic dives at panels that looked like doors. "He 'll kill me—he 's got a knife or something. For Gawd's sake!"

"Here you are," said the barman. "Come

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