"Yes, that was he, sir, and two friends of his.

I'm afraid he's getting into bad company, Mr Pledge." "Are you?
What makes you think that ?" "It's an unpleasant matter altogether," said Mr Webster, "and likely to be more so.

The fact is, sir, I've been robbed." And he proceeded to give Pledge an account of the loss of the pencil- case, and of the efforts of the boys to get the matter hushed up.
Pledge heard it with an amused smile.
"They've just been here to try and buy me off," said the indignant shopkeeper, "but I'm going to make an example of them.

I'm sorry to do it, Mr Pledge, but it's only fair to myself, isn't it, sir ?" "I don't know," said Pledge; "I don't see that it will do you much good.
You'd better leave it to me." "Leave it to you ?" "Well, I expect I can get back your pencil as easily as you can, if they've got it.

You're sure they have got it ?" "I'm certain Master Coote took it; certain as I stand here.