"Here!" he shouted. "Bring back that tin! Here! Thieves!"
They threw him off at the first turning, and made for William's house. They fled panting up the drive.
"Look out!" said William breathlessly. "There's father!"
Mr. Brown, putting on his hat in the hall for a quiet evening stroll, turned to see his son and his son's friend walking slowly and demurely up the drive. The son's friend held an old tin clasped to his breast. Both were red and breathless in spite of their slow and demure progress. Mr. Brown looked at his son with a suspicion born of experience.
"Where have you been?" he said.
"Jus' for a walk," said William meekly and with wide-eyed, appealing innocence.
The two proceeded towards the stairs.
"Where are you going now?" said Mr. Brown, still more suspiciously.
"Jus' up to my room, father," said William.
Mr. Brown fastened his stern gaze upon the tin.