“They wouldn’t dare be seen going about with a dirty face and neck like what you’ve got.”
“Look ’ere,” said the boy savagely. He moved nearer to her. “You leave my face and neck alone.”
“Sorry to do otherwise,” she remarked pertly.
“When I want any remarks from you ’bout my face and neck I’ll ast for ’em. Till then you keep your mouth shut ’r I’ll shut it for you.”
“You’d do a lot.”
Bobbie lifted his arm, but the small girl did not flinch. He made another threatening gesture; instantly his new bowler hat went spinning into the middle of the road in imminent danger of being run over by a railway van. Bobbie rescued it adroitly, and returning chased Miss Bell as far as Goswell Road.
“Don’t hit me,” she begged, panting; “I won’t do it again.”
“Time’s come,” said the boy hotly, “when I’ve got to punch your bloomin’ ’ead for you.”
“Lemme off this time,” craved Miss Bell, crouching against a shop window, “and I’ll stand you a ride back by tram.”
“You ain’t got no tuppence,” said Bobbie, relenting.