too. Just as he was overtaking me half-way down the square, we heard
the whistle; and at the sound of it he drew away like a streak of
lightning; and that was the last I saw of him. I was copped in the
Dock Road myself: rotten luck, wasn't it? I tried the innocent and
genteel and all the rest; but Bobby's hat done me in.

GILBEY. And what happened to the boy?

DORA. Only fancy! he stopped to laugh at the copper! He thought the
copper would see the joke, poor lamb. He was arguing about it when
the two that took me came along to find out what the whistle was for,
and brought me with them. Of course I swore I'd never seen him before
in my life; but there he was in my hat and I in his. The cops were
very spiteful and laid it on for all they were worth: drunk and
disorderly and assaulting the police and all that. I got fourteen
days without the option, because you see--well, the fact is, I'd done
it before, and been warned. Bobby was a first offender and had the
option; but the dear boy had no money left and wouldnt give you away
by telling his name; and anyhow he couldnt have brought himself to buy
himself off and leave me there; so hes doing his time. Well, it was
two forty shillingses; and Ive only twenty-eight shillings in the
world. If I pawn my clothes I shant be able to earn any more. So I
cant pay the fine and get him out; but if youll stand 3 pounds I'll
stand one; and thatll do it. If youd like to be very kind and nice
you could pay the lot; but I cant deny that it was my fault; so I wont
press you.

GILBEY. [heart-broken] My son in gaol!

DORA. Oh, cheer up, old dear: it wont hurt him: look at me after