reen by
this time--still trembled at respectful distance from me.

Fortunately for all of us, he was not impertinent, and though he spoke
the language of his order, his tone disarmed offence.

"Now, then. Now, then. What is all this about?"

There was no need for me to answer. A dozen voluble tongues were ready
to explain to him; and to explain wholly in my favour. This time the
crowd was with me. Let a man school himself to bear dispraise, for
thereby alone shall he call his soul his own. But let no man lie, saying
he is indifferent to popular opinion. That was my first taste of public
applause. The public was not select, and the applause might, by the
sticklers for English pure and undefiled, have been deemed ill-worded,
but to me it was the sweetest music I had ever heard, or have heard
since. I was called a "plucky little devil," a "fair 'ot 'un," not only
a "good 'un," but a "good 'un" preceded by the adjective that in
the East bestows upon its principal every admirable quality that can
possibly apply. Under the circumstances it likewise fitted me literally;
but I knew it was intended rather in its complimentary sense.

Kind, if dirty, hands wiped my face. A neighbouring butcher presented me
with a choice morsel of steak, not to eat but to wear; and I found it,
if I may so express myself without infringing copyright, "grateful and
comforting." My enemies had long since scooted, some of them, I had
rejoiced to notice, with lame and halting steps. The mutilated kitten
had been restored to its owner, a lady of ample bosom, who, carried
beyond judgment by emotion, publicly offered to adopt me on the spot.
The Law suggested, not for the first time, that everybody should now
move on; and slowly, followed by feminine commendation mingled with
masculine advice as to improved methods for the future, I was allowed to
drift away.

My bones ached, my flesh stung me, yet I walked as upon air. Gradually
I became conscious that I was not alone. A light, pattering step was
trying to keep pace with me. Graciously I slacked my speed, and the
pattering step settled down beside me. Every now and again she would run
ahead and then turn round to look up into my face, much as your small
dog does when he happens not to be misbehaving himself and desires you
to note the fact. Evidently she approved of me. I was not at my best,
as far as appearance was concerned, but women are kittle cattle, and
I think she preferred me so. Thus we wal