Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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“Not unless you promise to behave better.”

“I wont promise—​I’ll die first.”

“Very well, then; I shall keep you prisoner till a constable comes—​that’s all.”

“A constable?”

“Yes, a policeman. Will you promise?”

“What?”

“To conduct yourself like a sane person.”

“I wont promise anything. I hate and despise you for a sneak as you are.”

“You were always an abusive, audacious fellow, even as a boy,” returned Gatliffe. “And a man who knows you as well as I do must be a fool to take any notice of your blustering.”

Two farm labourers who had witnessed the conflict from a neighbouring meadow, now came forward and proffered their services to Gatliffe.

“You’ve got a bit of a madman, aint ye, master?” said one of the men. “May be he’s escaped from his keeper.”

“You impudent wretch!” ejaculated Peace.

“What be going to do wi’ him?” said the other rustic. “He deserves ducking in the horse pond—​that be the best way to serve him.”

“He’s flung a big stone at ’ee,” said the other; “better take him to the police station.”