A friend to many

He does not scurry away when you approach him. And he does not lower his newspaper when he returns your greeting, either. "Beggin' yer pardon," he says, "but I can't 'ave my face bein' known." He struggles to shake your hand while still holding the paper up.

"We have mutual friends in the, ah, Authorities. They told me 'bout you. Said you'd done them a good turn, and that 'elpin' you would be 'elpin' them. I mix in many circles, you see. I know what goes on. I'd be glad to give you an 'and."