Suddenly, without a word to anyone, the gentleman set off and flew full speed in pursuit of my unknown lady. She was racing like the wind, but the staggering gentleman was overtaking — overtook her. The girl uttered a shriek, and... I bless my luck for the excellent knotted stick, which happened on that occasion to be in my right hand. In a flash I was onthe other side of the street; in a flash the obstrusive gentleman had taken in the position, had grasped the irresistible argument, fallen back without a word, and only when we were very far away protested against myaction in rather vigorous language. But his words hardly reached us. “Give me your arm,” I said to the girl. “And he won’t dare to annoy us further.” She took my arm without a word, still trembling with excitement and terror. Oh, obtrusive gentleman! How I blessed you at that moment!