Phil advanced, and received back his property with satisfaction.

"You'd better eat it now. I'll see that he doesn't disturb you."

Phil followed the advice of his new friend promptly. He had eaten
nothing since seven o'clock, and then only a piece of dry bread and
cheese, and the apple, a rare luxury, he did not fail to relish. His
would-be robber scowled at him meanwhile, for he had promised himself
the pleasure of dispatching the fruit. Edward stood by till the apple
was eaten, and then turned away. The rowdy made a movement as if to
follow Phil, but Edward quickly detected him, and came back.

"Don't you dare touch him," he said, significantly, "or you'll have to
settle accounts with me. Do you see that policeman? I am going to ask
him to have an eye on you. You'd better look out for yourself."

The other turned at the caution, and seeing the approach of one of the
Metropolitan police quickly vanished. He had a wholesome fear of
these guardians of the public peace, and did not care to court their
attention.

Edward turned away, but in a moment felt a hand tugging at his coat.
Looking around, he saw that it was Phil.

"Grazia, signore," said Phil, gratefully.

"I suppose that means 'Thank you'?"

Phil nodded.