"I had to bring him in by force." Tommy raised his arm instinctively to protect his face, this being the kind of man who could hit hard.

But presently he was confused, and also, alas, leering a little.

You may remember that Reddy had told him she must not go beyond the lamp-post, lest she should be lost again.

She had given him no details of the adventure, but he learned now from Ma-ma and Papa (the man's name was Papa) that she had strayed when Ma-ma was in a shop and that some good kind boy had found her and brought her home; and what do you say to this, they thought Tommy was that boy! In his amazement he very nearly blurted out that he was the other boy, but just then the lady asked Papa if he had a shilling, and this abruptly closed Tommy's mouth.

Ever afterwards he remembered Papa as the man that was not sure whether he had a shilling until he felt his pockets--a new kind of mortal to Tommy, who grabbed the shilling when it was offered to him, and then looked at Reddy imploringly, he was so afraid she would tell.