They decided to keep their “eye” on him, and as they were able to do this at a distance, Reginald had no objection at all to their decision.
He meanwhile was keeping his eye on Gedge and Mr Durfy, and about a fortnight after his arrival at the Rocket, a passage of arms occurred which, slight as it was, had a serious influence on the future of all three parties concerned.
The seven o’clock bell had rung, and this being one of Horace’s late evenings, Reginald proposed to Gedge to stroll home with him and call and see Mrs Cruden.
The boy accepted readily, and the two were starting off arm in arm when Mr Durfy confronted them. Reginald, who had never met his adversary beyond the precincts of the Rocket before, did not for a moment recognise the vulgar, loudly dressed little man, sucking his big cigar and wearing his pot hat ostentatiously on one side; but when he did he turned contemptuously aside and said,—
“Come on, young ’un.”
“Come on, young ’un!” echoed Mr Durfy, taking his cigar from his mouth and flicking the ashes in Reginald’s direction, “that’s just what I was going to say. Young Gedge, you’re coming with me to-night. I’ve got orders for the Alhambra, my boy, and supper afterwards.”
“Thank you,” said Gedge, rather uncomfortably, “it’s very kind of you, Mr Durfy, but I’ve promised Cruden to go with him.”
“Promised Cruden! What do you mean? Cruden’ll keep till to-morrow; the orders won’t.”
“I’m afraid I can’t,” said Gedge.
“Afraid! I tell you I don’t mean to stand here all night begging you. Just come along and no more nonsense. We’ll have a night of it.”