had dropped and took a mouthful himself.

_He had brought the rice-mould by mistake!_




CHAPTER III

WILLIAM'S BURGLAR


When William first saw him he was leaning against the wall of the
White Lion, gazing at the passers-by with a moody smile upon his
villainous-looking countenance.

It was evident to any careful observer that he had not confined his
attentions to the exterior of the White Lion.

William, at whose heels trotted his beloved mongrel (rightly named
Jumble), was passing him with a casual glance, when something
attracted his attention. He stopped and looked back, then, turning
round, stood in front of the tall, untidy figure, gazing up at him
with frank and unabashed curiosity.

"Who cut 'em off?" he said at last in an awed whisper.

The figure raised his hands and stroked the long hair down the side of
his face.