Chapter X

Carrying The Banner

>>>>I would not have the laborer sacrificed to the result. I would not
>>>>have the laborer sacrificed to my convenience and pride, nor to that of a
>>>>great class of such as me. Let there be worse cotton and better men.
>>>>The weaver should not be bereaved of his superiority to his work.
>>>>-- Emerson

To carry the banner means to walk the streets
all night; and I, with the figurative emblem hoisted,
went out to see what I could see. Men and women
walk the streets at night all over this great city, but
I selected the West End, making Leicester Square
my base, and scouting about from the Thames Em
bankment to Hyde Park.

The rain was falling heavily when the theatres let
out, and the brilliant throng which poured from the
places of amusement was hard put to find cabs.
The streets were so many wild rivers of cabs, most
of which were engaged, however; and here I saw
the desperate attempts of ragged men and boys to
get a shelter from the night by procuring cabs for
the cabless ladies and gentlemen. I use the word
desperate advisedly; for these wretched homeless
ones were gambling a soaking against a bed; and

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