he had children of his own.

"But she has no clothes to go in!" objected Clare.

"She must go without, then."

"But she'll take cold!"

"She don't run naked in the house, do she?"

"No; she can't run yet. I keep her in a blanket. But the blanket ain't
mine; I can't take it with me."

"You're mighty scrup'lous!" returned the policeman. "You don't mind
takin' a 'ole 'ouse an' garding, but you wouldn' think o' takin' a
blanket!--Oh, no! Honest boy _you_ are!"

He turned sharp round, and caught Tommy taking a vigorous sight at
him. Tommy, courageous as a lion behind anybody's back, dropped on the
rug sitting.

"We've done the house no harm," said Clare, "and I will _not_ take the
blanket. It would be stealing!"

"Then I will take it, and be accountable for it," rejoined the man. "I
hope that will satisfy you!"

"Certainly," answered Clare. "You are a policeman, and that makes it
all right."