Jock retained his hold on the boy's ear.
'Eh, eh, what is it, laddie ?' he said, 'enterin' an' stealin', enterin' an' stealin'.

A monstrous crime.

Come wi' me.' Dick followed reluctantly, but the grip on his ear lobe was emphatic, and in his one short struggle for freedom he felt as if he were grappling with the great poppet-legs at the Silver Stream.

Summers paused for a moment.
'Laddie,' he said, 'd'ye mind my wee bit dog ?' The dog capered like a frivolous cow, flopped his ears, and exhibited himself in a cheerful, well-meaning way.
'If ye'd rather, laddie, the dog will bring ye home,' continued the man.
'Skite!' said Dick, with sullen scorn; but he went quietly after that.
At the house they were met by Christina Shine, and Dick blushed furiously under her gaze of mild surprise.

Christina had been a member of the Summers household for over five years, ever since the death of her mother, and had won herself a position there, something like that of a beloved poor relation with light duties and many liberties.
'Dickie, Dickie, what have you been doing this time ?' asked Miss Chris.
'Robbin' my fruit-trees, my dear.