Page:A Child of the Jago - Arthur Morrison.djvu/53

 watches like a growed-up man." And he plied the belt savagely, while Dicky, amazed, breathless and choking, spun about him with piteous squeals, and the baby woke and puled in feeble sympathy.

There was a rip, and the collar began to leave the old jacket. Feeling this, Josh Perrott released it and with a quick drive of the fist in the neck, sent Dicky staggering across the room. Dicky caught at the bed-frame, and limped out to the landing, sobbing grievously in the bend of his sleeve.

It was more than his mother had intended but she knew better than to attempt interference. Now that he was gone she said, with some hesitation: "'Adn't you better take it out at once. Josh?"

"Yes, I'm goin'," Josh replied, turning the watch in his hand. "It's a good 'un—a topper."

"You—you won't let Weech 'ave it, will ye. Josh? 'E—'e never gives much."