"Will you promise never to stone another cat?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then go about your business."

Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street with his companion.

"I am much obliged to you for protecting Flora's cat," then said the
constable to Gilbert.

"You are quite welcome, sir. I won't see any animal abused if I can help
it."

"You are right there."

"Wasn't that boy Peter Cook?"

"Yes. Don't you know him?"

"No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl."

"A different sort of boy! Have you come to visit him?"

"No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left home, because he could not
stand his step-mother's ill-treatment, and I have come to see his father
in his behalf."

"He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr. Crawford is an invalid, and very