Russell Hoban - The Lion of Boaz-Jachin and Jachin-Boaz

The superintendent looked at the constable, shook his head. ‘Not twice, Phillips,’ he said.

‘I know how it looks, sir,’ said the constable.

‘You’ve got a good record, Phillips,’ said the superintendent. ‘Good prospects for promotion, a fine career ahead of you. Sometimes things get to be too much for all of us. Marital problems, economic pressures, nervous strain, all kinds of worries. I want you to talk to a doctor.’

‘No,’ said the constable. He put the two-way radio carefully on the bridge parapet.

‘No,’ he said again. He took off his helmet, set it down beside the radio.

‘No,’ he said once more, took off his tunic, folded it neatly, laid it on the parapet beside the helmet and radio.

‘There was a lion,’ he said. ‘There is a lion. Lion is.’

He nodded to the superintendent, passed through the circle as it parted on either side of him, and walked away down the street in his shirtsleeves.

Russell Hoban (1925–2011) was the author of many extraordinary novels including Turtle Diary, Angelica Lost and Found and his masterpiece, Riddley Walker. He also wrote some classic books for children including The Mouse and his Child and the Frances books. Born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA, he lived in London from 1969 until his death.