`` poor lad , '' harding said , taking off his round policeman 's hat and tucking it under his arm in respect . im pretty sure the guards would have recognized me , which means that my name and my reputation , not to mention my life is pretty much in the balance . a group of dark-skinned men formed a half-circle around the bush . `` but your companions will fight , wo n't they ? `` you have not changed your mind , have you , my dear ? '' 