"It's warmer here," remarked his uncle, taking no notice of Tom, but motioning the policeman to a seat near the fire.
"No, thank you," said the man, seating himself so that he could have the light of the lamp on Tom's face.
"Now, Tom," began his uncle, "we want you to tell us all about the shilling you brought home last night."
"I told you, uncle, Jack gave it to me."
"Ah, but how was it this Jack came to be giving you shillings, that's what I want to get at?" And if Tom had not been so pre-occupied in resolving not to say a word that should reveal what really had taken place, he must have noticed that there was an almost imploring ring in his uncle's voice as he added, "Now, Tom, tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
"I have, uncle," said Tom, assuming an air of indignant protest.
"Do you mean to say you only lent this boy a shilling. When did you lend it?" asked his uncle more severely.
"Oh, the other day," replied Tom indifferently.
"Yes, but what day?" persisted his uncle.
"Last week, I think, the day after I told you I'd got a shilling towards Dick's gloves," answered Tom.