There was no need for me to answer. A dozen voluble tongues were
ready to explain to him; and to explain wholly in my favour. This
time the crowd was with me. Let a man school himself to bear
dispraise, for thereby alone shall he call his soul his own. But let
no man lie, saying he is indifferent to popular opinion. That was my
first taste of public applause. The public was not select, and the
applause might, by the sticklers for English pure and undefiled, have
been deemed ill-worded, but to me it was the sweetest music I had ever
heard, or have heard since. I was called a "plucky little devil," a
"fair 'ot 'un," not only a "good 'un," but a "good 'un" preceded by
the adjective that in the East bestows upon its principal every
admirable quality that can possibly apply. Under the circumstances it
likewise fitted me literally; but I knew it was intended rather in its
complimentary sense.

Kind, if dirty, hands wiped my face. A neighbouring butcher presented
me with a choice morsel of steak, not to eat but to wear; and I found
it, if I may so express myself without infringing copyright, "grateful
and comforting." My enemies had long since scooted, some of them, I
had rejoiced to notice, with lame and halting steps. The mutilated
kitten had been restored to its owner, a lady of ample bosom, who,
carried beyond judgment by emotion, publicly offered to adopt me on
the spot. The Law suggested, not for the first time, that everybody
should now move on; and slowly, followed by feminine commendation
mingled with masculine advice as to improved methods for the future, I
was allowed to drift away.

My bones ached, my flesh stung me, yet I walked as upon air.
Gradually I became conscious that I was not alone. A light, pattering