"For flying at me like a--a tiger, and trying to kill me."

Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.

"I thought it was you who flew at me," he said.

"What business had you to interfere with me?"

"I'll do it again unless you give up firing stones at the cat."

"I'll do it as long as I like."

"She's gone!" said Simon.

The boys looked up into the tree, and could see nothing of puss. She
had taken the opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise occupied, to
make good her escape.

"I'm glad of it!" said Gilbert. "Good-morning, boys! When we meet again,
I hope you will be more creditably employed."

"You don't get off so easy, you loafer," said Peter, who saw the village
constable approaching. "Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest this
boy."

Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-shouldered man, nearly six feet
in height, turned from one to the other, and asked: "What has he done?"

"He knocked me over. I want him arrested for assault and battery."