I had escaped after all! In my thankfulness I renewed with all fervour and sincerity my resolve to avoid all such foolish escapades for the future, and to devote myself to more profitable and less discreditable occupations.
As it was I dared not yet feel quite sure I was safe.

I might have been seen, my name and address might have been discovered, and the policeman might be lying in wait for me yet, somewhere.
I slunk home that night down the darkest streets and along the shadiest sides of them, like a burglar.

I trembled whenever I saw a policeman or heard a footfall on the road.
But my fears did not come to pass.

I regained the City safely, and was soon on the familiar track leading to Beadle Square.
As I crossed the top of Style Street the place seemed as deserted as the grave.

But my heart gave a leap to my mouth as suddenly I heard a voice at my side and a bound, as of some one springing upon me from a place of hiding.
It was only Billy, who had been curled up on a doorstep, but whose cat- like vigilance had discovered me even in this light and at this hour.
"Well, you are a-doin' it neat, you are," said he, grinning profusely; "where 'ave you been to, gov'nor ?" "What's that to do with you ?" demanded I, to whom by this time the small ragamuffin's impudence had ceased to be astonishing.
"On'y 'cos t'other bloke he was 'ere four hour ago, and I ain't see'd you go by.