"They gave it up then and kept to Sam like a couple o' shadders, only
giving 'im back-answers when they felt as if something 'ud give way
inside if they didn't. For the fust time in their lives they began to
count the days till their boat was ready for sea. Then something
happened.
"They was all coming 'ome late one night along the Minories, when Ginger
Dick gave a shout and, suddenly bolting up a little street arter a man
that 'ad turned up there, fust of all sent 'im flying with a heavy punch
of 'is fist, and then knelt on 'im.
"'Now then Ginger,' ses Sam bustling up with Peter Russet, 'wot's all
this? Wot yer doing?'
"'It's the thief,' ses Ginger. 'It's our lodger. You keep still!' he
ses shaking the man. 'D'ye hear?'
"Peter gave a shout of joy, and stood by to help.
"'Nonsense!' ses old Sam, turning pale. 'You've been drinking, Ginger.
This comes of standing you 'arf-pints.'
"'It's him right enough,' ses Ginger. 'I'd know 'is ugly face anywhere.'
"'You come off 'ome at once,' ses Sam, very sharp, but his voice
trembling. 'At once. D'ye hear me?'
"'Fetch a policeman, Peter,' ses Ginger.
Pages:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28