"Give me the proclamation," he said to some unseen follower, and a little white paper was handed to him.
"Lea' me alone," said Caddles, scowling, tense, and drawn together.
"This means," said the policeman before he read, "go 'ome.

Go 'ome to your chalk pit.

If not, you'll be hurt." Caddles gave an inarticulate growl.
Then when the proclamation had been read, the officer made a sign.

Four men with rifles came into view and took up positions of affected ease along the wall.

They wore the uniform of the rat police.