“No; it wouldn’t be honourable. But I say, Pannell, I mean to do all I can to find out who plays us these dirty tricks.”
The big smith looked about him before speaking again.
“Don’t, my lad,” he whispered. “Yow might get hurt, and I shouldn’t like that i’deed.”
“Oh, I won’t get hurt!” I said. “Look here, Pannell, do you see this?”
“Ay, lad. Trap for the rats. I’ve sin scores on em.”
“We set them to catch the rats,” I said, hesitating a moment or two before making my venture. “I say, Pannell,” I said, “we’re very good friends you and I.”
“Course we are, lad; for a Londoner you’re quite a decent chap.”
“Thank you,” I said, smiling. “Well, on the quiet, I want you to do me a favour.”
“Long as it aren’t to tell on my mates, lad, I’ll do owt for you. There!”
That there was as emphatic as a blow from his hammer on the anvil.