“Well they’re my rabbits.”
“But I’m a poor man,” the other repeated.
“So you said,” Jim answered. “That’s no excuse.”
Smiley-face shook his head. “You wouldn’t be like to understand a poor man—not with a big ’ouse, and ’undreds o’ rabbits, you wouldn’t.”
“Oh, wouldn’t I!” said Jim. “I’ve been poor myself. I’ve known what it is not to have a cent in the world. I’ve slept in hedges; I’ve tramped the roads....”
“You ’ave?” The poacher was incredulous, and thrust his head forward, staring at his captor with cunning little eyes.
“Yes, I have,” Jim declared.
“Lordee!” exclaimed Smiley-face. “Then you know....”
“Know what?” asked Jim.