“That's a long way off,” said the policeman.
“Yes, it's a good distance,” answered Diamond; “but I find my way about pretty well. Policemen are always kind to me.”
“But what on earth do you want here?”
Diamond told him plainly what he was about, and of course the man believed him, for nobody ever disbelieved Diamond. People might think he was mistaken, but they never thought he was telling a story.
“It's an ugly place,” said the policeman.
“Is it far off?” asked Diamond.
“No. It's next door almost. But it's not safe.”
“Nobody hurts me,” said Diamond.
“I must go with you, I suppose.”
“Oh, no! please not,” said Diamond. “They might think I was going to meddle with them, and I ain't, you know.”