When the plate came round he put threepence in, but he took a shilling out.

It was a useful trick, taught him by an expert in the art of rigging the thimble and the pea.

Nickie, when he had fairly good clothes, often attended church merely to practise it.

To-night the exploit was more an act of unseemly and impious levity than a crime.
The Rev.Nippit had a theory which he believed would succeed with nine malefactors out of ten if exerted under fair conditions it was based on kindness, forebearance and the inculcation of excellent precepts.
It is distressing to have to report that Nickie took few pains to encourage his preceptor.

He was lazy, he sometimes forgot to shave, he often forgot to bath, he was not always temperate; but the Rev.James bore it all with unconquerable patience.