Brownsmith sent him to the workhouse, but he always runs away and comes back.

He's just like a monkey, ain't he?
Here, I must go; but I say, why don't you ask your ma to let you come and play with us; we have rare games down the meadows, bathing, and wading, and catching dace ?" "I should like to come," I said dolefully.
"Ah, there's no end of things to see down there--water-rats and frogs; and there's a swan's nest, with the old bird sitting; and don't the old cock come after you savage if you go near! Oh, we do have rare games there on half-holidays! I wish you'd come." "I should like to," I said.
"Ain't too proud; are you ?" "Oh no!" I said, shaking my head.
"Because I was afraid you were.

Well, I shall catch it if I stop any longer.

I say, is your ma better ?" I shook my head.
"Ain't going to die, is she ?" "Oh no!" I said sharply.
"That's all right.

Well, you get her to let you come.