3

Rud went to one of the three drawing–room windows, opened it wide, and stood out on the little pseudo–balcony. His sense of fitness required a few words from a balcony; it was his conception of the part. The band had gone round to the garage behind headquarters, and the few policemen were having no trouble in keeping the crowd moving. The idea of enrolling a great crowd of adherents had evaporated insensibly, even as Chiffan had said. There was a cessation of movement at Rud's appearance, the police stood still for a moment and someone cried "Speech!" Rud held up a reassuring hand to the Inspector.

"Nothing more doing to–night. Thank you for joining us, and thank you for giving us a hearing. If I may suggest something; Three cheers for Unity. And three cheers for the Common Man everywhere, and may God help him to his own…Thank you. That's all."

He moved back from the window.

"Not a cheer for yourself?" said Irwell. "You can't be modest as a leader. You had your chance then. Shall I tell 'em?"

Rud half–turned towards him and said something Chiffan was never to forget.

"I am the common man," said Rud.