“Do you charge him?” inquired the constable.

“No. All I want of you is to take him away. Remove him from these premises.”

“Now then, you sir,” said the officer, “move on, or I’ll lock you up.”

He gave Peace a push, which sent him reeling.

“You keep your hands to yourself, and don’t assault me,” said he, “or I’ll lodge a complaint against you; mind you that.”

“Will you go? If you don’t—​well I shall know what to do.”

“You’re a big man in your own estimation, but a very little one in everybody else’s,” returned Peace, who, however, thought it best to get clear off; and so, making mocking gestures as he went along, he went his way without further ado.

It was a great relief to Mrs. Dyson when he was out of sight; but she was not at all certain about his returning shortly.

However, he did not trouble her again that night.

This attack, together with a variety of others of a similar nature, was the reason the Dysons had for leaving Darnall.