They hoisted Nickie to the seat behind, and drove on.

No explanation was offered, and Mr Crips expected none.

They would come, he imagined, along with the familiar penalties.
One of the young men did remark, with cheerful enthusiasm: "You're in fer it all right, blokie," but Nickie the Kid only sighed.
Crips recognised the farm-house they drove to as that of the farmer with rheumatism in the back, his first customer.

One young man ran in with the news, and presently reappeared in company with a large, elderly, energetic man, who was crying, excitedly: "Where is he?
Bring him to me!" This large man dashed at Nickie the Kid, and fell on him bodily.

He was followed by the housewife who purchased the Rheumatic Balm, and she also fell upon Nickie, who put up a short prayer.