The Conflict with the Police

The protagonist's encounters with the police, from the guardhouse to the street confrontations.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Policeman at the Landing Stage

The Policeman at the Landing Stage The Paper Cone Trick The protagonist throws an empty paper cone on the pavement. A policeman picks it up, expecting money. He laughs at the man's disappointment. The Confrontation He later confronts a policeman, insisting it is ten o'clock when it is two. He is aggressive but the policeman is friendly. The Friendliness The policeman offers to accompany him home. The protagonist is touched and cries.

The Policeman at the Seat

The Policeman at the Seat The Second Encounter He sits on a bench and the policeman tells him to move on. He obeys, but feels resentful. The False Name at the Guardhouse He reports as homeless, giving a false name. The police treat him with respect due to his lie. The Escape He leaves the guardhouse without a breakfast ticket. He has outwitted the system, but only temporarily.

Part II

Part II