He took it all good-humouredly, until one of them, who was an ill-conditioned fellow, began to tease old Diamond by poking him roughly in the ribs, and making general game of him.

That he could not bear, and the tears came in his eyes.

He undid the nose-bag, put it in the boot, and was just going to mount and drive away, when the fellow interfered, and would not let him get up.

Diamond endeavoured to persuade him, and was very civil, but he would have his fun out of him, as he said.

In a few minutes a group of idle boys had assembled, and Diamond found himself in a very uncomfortable position.
Another cab drew up at the stand, and the driver got off and approached the assemblage.
"What's up here ?" he asked, and Diamond knew the voice.