"What are you making such a row about? screeching like a poll-parrot!"
Days of courtship and days of matrimony are apt to differ, in cases like that of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner!
Then, having delivered himself of this polite question, Mr. Skinner caught sight of Jack.
"You! oh! it's you, is it? Well, the police have been looking for you, and I'll just give you in charge."
Jack, utterly bewildered, was for the moment speechless. Then he said—
"Hands off! What do you mean? Where's my mother?"
"She is not here; so you needn't think any of her crying and fuss will avail. I'll give you in charge unless you confess."
"Confess what?" said Jack, wriggling away from Mr. Skinner's grip. "Hands off, I say! I am not going to run away. What am I to confess?"
"Take him into the back parlour, Joe. You'll have the neighbours coming in: take him out of the shop."
"Hold your tongue!" was the rejoinder. "I shall do as I choose."