They surrounded Alf like a set of harpies, and he became positively frightened.
Laura Stanbridge, however, came to his rescue. She spoke to them in an authoritative tone, which could not be misunderstood by them, albeit the language she made use of was not comprehended by the boy.
Her words, however, seemed to have the desired effect, for the wretched besotted creatures parted on one side, and let the two passengers pass without any attempt at further molestation.
Alf Purvis was delighted when they came to a small lane branching out of the street under the railway. This was as dark as Erebus.
There were no lights and no houses, only a dead wall on each side.
“Well, this beats all,” cried the boy. “This is a place.”
“Yes,” murmured his mistress. “We must be careful how we proceed along.”
She produced a bull’s-eye lantern from her pocket, and made the light therefrom precede her as she walked.
“Isn’t there danger?” inquired her companion.
“None in the least.”