Mr. Farrant prepared to listen with a cynical smile, but Mr. Broad was anxious to give a favourable hearing to anything that might help to clear Jim's character.
CHAPTER XIV.
CURLY AND COMPANY.
"Before Jim came here to work," began Dick, clearing his throat, "we were generally together in the evenings. Since then, of course, he hasn't had much time; but now and then I've been up to wait for him. Coming up this evening I met Mr. Broad, and just afterwards Curly Peters with a boy named Bryant."
"Is this Peters a friend of yours?" interrupted Mr. Farrant.
"No," replied Dick; "and I've never had anything to do with him. I thought a long time ago that he wasn't up to much."
"All right; go on."
"Well, thinking they were going to see Jim, I turned back, and they acted in such a funny way that I became curious. First of all, Bryant followed Mr. Broad, very likely to see where he went; then they walked up to the shop."
"Where were you?"
"On the other side of the road. Curly went to the shop, while the other chap hid in the next doorway. Presently Jim came out; and, after a time, Curly managed to draw him away from the door a bit. Then Bryant slipped into the shop, and was back again almost before you could say 'Jack Robinson!'"