The constable who had the Quay beat came hurrying along, looking red and angry.
'You 'ain't seen any o' them young varmints wot have been a-sluggin', have ye, Mr. Elliott?' he cried to Dick's uncle.
'Yes; I've seen some of them, Cooper, but I'm afraid they're out of your reach by now,' replied the latter.
'I just wish I could get hold of 'em,' cried the indignant constable. 'I'd give 'em what for. Two windows 'ave they broke wi' their stones and their sluggin', an' one of 'em in the shop o' poor old Mrs. Dean. The old woman has hard enow work to make a livin' without rowdy young nippers a-smashin' her windows.'
'You're right, Cooper,' agreed Mr. Elliott.
'But I'll put a stop to it,' said the constable. 'I'll be on the spot here at such times as them Grammar School boys are crossin' the Flat. Then if any game gets started betwixt them and that lot out o' Skinner's Hole, I'll be ready for 'em.'
Mr. Elliott and Dick walked on, and the latter burst out impulsively:
'That's too bad, uncle, about the poor old woman. I'll send the hat round and make our fellows fork out, and we'll square it up to her for her broken window.'
'Good idea, old chap!' said Mr. Elliott. 'Here's half a crown for a start.'
Dick thanked his uncle, and pocketed the coin.