owe a shilling."

"Which you do--there!" cried Mrs Sturt; "and not a thing goes off these
premishes till it's paid."

"And they don't go off, nor them nayther, when it is paid," said Barney,
grinning offensively. "So now, Mrs What's-yer-name, you'd better be
off!"

Mrs Jenkles had been very quiet, but her face had been growing red and
fiery during all this, and she gave a sigh of relief as she patted Netta
on the shoulder; for at that moment Sam came slowly into the room,
closed the door, and bowed and smiled to Mrs Lane and her daughter.

"Sam," said Mrs Jenkles; and then she stopped almost aghast at her
husband's proceedings, for with a sharp flourish of the hand, he knocked
Barney's pipe from his mouth, the stem breaking close to his teeth, and
he looking perfectly astonished at the cabman's daring.

"What are yer smoking like that for, here? Can't yer see it makes the
young lady cough?"

"I'll--" exclaimed Barney, rushing at Sam menacingly; and Netta uttered
a shriek.

"Don't you mind him, Miss," said Sam, laughing, "it's only his fun.
It's a little playful way he's got with him, that's all. Which is the
boxes?"

"That trunk, and the carpet-bag, Sam," said Mrs Jenkles; and Sam
advanced to them.

"Hadn't we better give up?" said Mrs Lane, pitifully; and she glanced
at Netta who trembled violently.

"I should think not, indeed," said Mrs Jenkles. "Don't you be afraid--
they daren't stop you."

"But we just dare," said Mrs Sturt, furiously. "Not a thing goes off
till my bill's paid."

"And they don't go off when it is! now then," said Barney.

"Don't let him touch those things," said Mrs Sturt.

"Sam, you take that trunk down directly," said Mrs Jenkles. "Now, my
dear; come along."

"All right," said Sam, and he advanced to the trunk; but Barney pushed
himself forward, and sat down upon the box; while, as Mrs Jenkles
placed her arm round Netta, and led her towards the door, Mrs Sturt
jerked herself to it, and placed her back against the panels.

"You're a nice 'un, you are, Barney Sturt, Esquire, of the suburban
races," said Sam, good-temperedly; "but it aint no good, so get up, and
let's go quietly."

Barney growled out an oath, and showed his teeth, as Mrs Lane came up
to Sam, and laid her hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you much," she said, with a shudder; "but I give up: we cannot
go."

"Believe you can't," said Barney, grinning. "D'yer hear that, cabby?"

"Yes, I hear," said Sam,