“And a burglar by profession, eh?” and at this sally the speaker and his companions burst out into a hearty laugh.
“I’ve been in trouble, as you all know,” cried Peace, in an angry tone; “but that is no reason for my being jeered at. When a man’s down kick him is an old saying.”
“Well, then, we’ll say no more about it,” said the officer. “I didn’t know you were so thin-skinned. Take my advice, stick to your business, and don’t get into trouble again.”
“Thank you, I will remember your warning. I will not get into trouble again.”
After this Peace was fitted with a pair of boots, and his outfit, if it could be so termed, was now complete. He was informed that he would be presented with a gratuity of three pounds before he went out of the prison.
Any sum would be, of course, acceptable to begin the world again with. Three pounds is not a large capital, it must be admitted, but it is better than nothing.
In the due course of time Peace received a visit from the stewards’ clerk, his object being to obtain our hero’s signature on a stamped receipt for the whole of the munificent gratuity, and his signature also to several forms which he has to sign without revealing the contents of the aforesaid forms. This is a matter of no very great moment, for if he did peruse them the probability is that he would not be much the wiser.
No. 46.
PEACE RUSHES FORWARD AND MAKES A FULL BUTT AT MR. DYSON.