4. Police inform me I can have the book restored to me "on
application."
5. Go to Scotland Yard. Told hymn-book is at Bow Street. Cost of my
journey so far, 4-½_d._
6. At Bow Street have to take out summons against Chief Commissioner!
This is "the invariable rule," I am informed. Cost of summons and
"service"--not the Church Service--3_s._ Could have got _three new
hymn-books_ with the sum.
7. Have to attend week later at hearing of summons. Journey again
4-½_d._ Bow Street _not_ a nice court. Hymn-book restored to me.
8. Chief Commissioner appeals! Believes there is another person of my
name to whom book may belong. "If I give it up quietly, shall hear no
more about it." Give up my own hymn-book! Never!
9. Appeal dismissed. Attendance and costs amount to £45. And I am the
winning party!
10. Chief Commissioner "carries me" to House of Lords, but does not
pay carriage. Preliminary costs, £80.