“Yes, that big brute was abusing Steve here.”
“What? Little Steve Wickes?”
“He was, and I pitched him into the fence. He hit his head and cut it, I guess. I didn't mean—”
“Served him right enough, too, I fancy,” said Captain Jack.
“I'll 'ave the law on the lot o' ye, I will. I'm a poor workin' man, but I've got my rights, an' if there's a justice in this Gawd forsaken country I'll 'ave protection for my family.” And Mr. Wigglesworth, working up a fury, backed off down the lane.
“Don't fear, Wigglesworth, you'll get all the justice you want. Perhaps Sam will tell us—Hello! Where is Sam?”
But Sam had vanished. He had no mind for an investigation in the presence of Captain Jack.
“Well, well, he can't be much injured, I guess. Meantime, can I give you a lift, Annette?”
“No, thank you,” said the girl, the colour in her cheeks matching the crimson ribbon at her throat. “I'm just going home. It's only a little way. I don't—”
“The young leddy is with me, sir,” said the young Scotchman quietly.