‘Yes, I knowed him,’ said Harold, and stopped there.
‘But you had rather not tell. Is that it?’
‘Please, Sir, he’s gone, and I wouldn’t get him into trouble.’
At this the school-boys perfectly stamped, and made signs of cheering.
‘And who is the boy that came to help you?’
‘Paul Blackthorn, Sir; he’s a boy from the Union who worked at Farmer Shepherd’s. He’s a right good boy, Sir; but he’s got no friends, nor no—nothing,’ said Harold, pausing ere he finished.
‘Why didn’t you bring him up with you?’ asked the master.
‘Please, Sir, he wouldn’t come.’
‘Well,’ said Mr. Carter, ‘you’ve behaved like a brave fellow, and so has your friend; and here’s something in token of gratitude for the rescue of our property.’
It was a crown piece.