"Come and let him out at once," said the officer, "and we'll soon settle the ownership."
"Can't leave the show," muttered the man angrily.
"Oh, yes, you can. It isn't far, and this girl can manage without you!"
The man sullenly got down and marched along most unwillingly with the officer and Dick, followed by an interested crowd.
"Now open the door; there's a dog in there, undoubtedly. We shall know directly who's telling the truth."
Two doors were unlocked, and then like a small whirlwind Pat scrambled out, rushed to Dick's feet and grovelled there in an ecstasy of joy. "Hum, considering you say this boy only stole him this morning, they've got uncommon fond of one another! Call him and see if he'll come to you." But the showman's wiles were in vain. Pat would not go near him.
"Have you any witnesses to prove he's yours, my lad?"
Dick thought a moment and said, "I couldn't find the boy who saw him stolen from me. But Mr. Brown the carrier knows. He heard this man offer to buy Pat this morning."
"Run round to the George Yard and ask Brown to step here a minute, if he's still there."
Two or three messengers at once darted away.