The policeman was disposed to take the side of Ben as the best dressed.
“Do you want to complain of them?” he asked, turning to Ben.
“No,” answered Ben, “they are friends of mine. We were having a little fun.”
“If they try it again I’ll have some fun with them,” said the officer. “Now get up and go along with you.”
Patsy and Mike got up, looking rather sheepish. But Ben’s conduct impressed them favorably. But for him they would probably have been arrested and held for disorderly conduct.
“I say,” said Patsy, “you’re a brick, even if you do wear good clothes. You saved us from the cop, you did. Here’s my hand.”
Ben took it unhesitatingly, though it stood in decided need of washing.
“Here’s mine too,” added Mike. “You know how to fight, you do.”
“But you won’t make me fight any more, will you?” said Ben, smiling, as he shook Mike’s hand cordially.
“No, we won’t. You can stay here and sell papers as long as you like, and if anybody lays for you just call on me and Patsy.”