23 And How!The scene in Mr Knapp’s back room was not unlike a dressing station when Marlowe and Campion arrived.
Giles, still very white and shaky, was receiving experienced first aid at the capable hands of Mr Lugg, while Mr Knapp was examining a lump upon his head in an oak-framed mirror, whose usefulness was considerably lessened by the fact that the words ‘Bass’s Bottled Ales’ were printed across it in large letters.
Mrs Knapp was bending over Biddy, administering small quantities of rum in an egg-cup. Mr Barber alone remained where they had left him. The expression upon his face was inscrutable. He had evidently resigned himself to a situation which was completely beyond his comprehension.
Campion was frankly relieved to see them back. His entry was hilarious, and they all turned t
