“Did you ever see such a man?” said Mr. Penfound to the stallkeeper, putting the revolvers in his pocket, and feeling strangely happy, as one who has done a good action.
“Yer don’t kid me,” was the curt reply. “It was all a plant. Want anythink else? Because if not, ye’d best go.”
“Yes, I do,” said Mr. Penfound, for he had thought of his wife. He spent sevenpence in various good things, and was just gathering his purchases together when the policeman appeared.
“Good night, officer,” he called out blithely, and set off to run home, as though for his life.
As he re-entered the bedroom at No. 7 his wife sat up in bed, a beautiful but accusing figure.
“George,” she said, “where have you been?”
“My love,” he answered, “I’ve been out into the night to get you this sausage, and this cake, and this sandwich. Eat them. They will do you good.”