It's not a good idea to walk along the Thames at night, and alone! Especially if you're a young, pretty lady. And decent. For the headlines lately have been full of information about the brutal and ruthless murders of prostitutes. So you'd better hurry home for whatever it is you're holding out for.

Unceremoniously, a hand rests on your shoulder, squeezing, and a rough voice purrs in your ear in a squeaky, almost threatening tone.

"And why is such a wary lady wandering around London so late at night? Doesn't she know that constables haven't been able to protect anyone for a long time?"

The gentleman's eyes are active, like the mystic's, cunning and ironic. There is no doubt who it is.