As soon as Alfred heard this, he ran as fast as he could, but King soon overtook him.
“Herbert,” called out Cox, “let’s make him go down and fetch your cap. He’s fond of sneaking, so that will give him something to talk about.”
“All right, Harry,” replied King, “a jolly fine idea that! Now, little sneak, you are going down that pit to fetch up my cap, do you hear?”
“Yes,” replied Alfred, “I hear.”
“Do you mean to say you don’t intend to go down there?”
“Yes, I do,” replied Alfred firmly.
“Supposing I say I will make you, what then?”
Alfred did not reply.
“If you won’t go after his cap, perhaps you will after your own,” exclaimed Cox, taking Alfred’s cap and throwing it down the pit.
King laughed. Alfred remained still, without attempting to move. King shook him roughly.