"It was the half-crown Mr. Dawson gave me," John Monday answered in a low, shamed voice, whilst Mousey looked shocked and frightened; "I don't know what he would think of me if he knew."
"Nor do I," Mr. Harding agreed; "but I know what I think. Of all the ungrateful, worthless boys that have come in my way, you are the worst! What is this Herbert Hambly's business?"
"I don't know. He has lodgings in the town; but I don't fancy he does any work."
"Humph! An idle young ne'er-do-well! How did you make his acquaintance?"
"He came into the shop one day and asked me to regulate his watch."
"And stuck about talking to you, I suppose? And after that he came again and again, but always when I was out of the way? Yes, I thought so!"
There was a short silence, then Mr. Harding spoke again.
"Listen to me, John Monday," he said impressively. "I forbid you to have anything to do with this Herbert Hambly for the future. Do you understand, or, what is more to the point, do you mean to obey me?"