"Pretty good," said Mark. "It was rather hard."
"How'd you make out begging?"
"Not very well. I got ten cents."
"So you didn't dare to go home to the old woman?"
"I shan't go home there any more," said the match boy.
"Do you mean it?"
"Yes, I do."
"Bully for you! I like your pluck. I wouldn't go back and get a licking, if I were you. What'll Mother Watson say?"
"She'll be mad, I expect," said Mark.
"Keep a sharp lookout for her. I'll tell you what you can do: stay near me, and if she comes prowlin' round I'll manage her."