“Then you’re not the other boy,” said Mr Auberly, laying down his pen, and regarding Willie with a frown.
“Please, sir,” replied Willie, with a look of meekness which was mingled with a feeling of desperation, for his desire to laugh was strong upon him, “please, sir, I don’t rightly know which boy I am.”
Mr Auberly paused for a moment.
“Boy, you’re a fool!”
“Thank ’ee, sir,” said Willie.
This reply went a long way in Mr Auberly’s mind to prove the truth of his assertion.
“Answer me, boy,” said Mr Auberly with an impressive look and tone; “were you sent here by a fireman?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Willie.
“What is his name?”
“Same as mine, sir—Willders.”