"I thought as much," he muttered. "I'll wring that blessed bird's
neck if I get hold of it." And he prepared to go.
"If you can wait half a minute," I said, getting out of bed, "I'll
go a bit of the way with you."
"It's very good of you," he rejoined, pausing, "but it seems unkind
to drag you out."
"Not at all," I replied; "I shall like a walk." And I partially
dressed myself, and took my umbrella; and he put his arm through
mine, and we went out together.
Just by the gate we met Jones, one of the local constables.
"Good-night, Jones," I said (I always feel affable at Christmas-
time).
"Good-night, sir," answered the man a little gruffly, I thought.
"May I ask what you're a-doing of?"
"Oh, it's all right," I responded, with a wave of my umbrella; "I'm
just seeing my friend part of the way home."