“Except what?” exclaimed our hero, freely. “None of your nonsense—​except what?”

“The hat.”

“Ah, that’s true. Have you got one?”

“Yes. A pot hat or a pilly cock?”

“A pot hat.”

When Peace was fitted with a hat he strode out of the shop with all the airs and graces of a man of fashion.

CHAPTER LXXIII.

LAURA STANBRIDGE AT HOME—​A CONFERENCE AND A SCENE.

The reader will remember the young scapegrace, Alf Purvis, who was driven from Stoke Ferry Farm with the hare round his neck. He had now grown up to a slim, handsome young man, with an almost feminine cast of features.

His education was by this time completed. His instructor and trainer, Laura Stanbridge, in conjunction with her lawless associates, had transformed the country lad into one of the most expert and daring young London thieves of the period.