This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ...Parkle being discovered in the back of the shop, her tormentors lost no time in harassing her again. By way of tempting the foe, a boy was now and then pushed a few paces into the shop by his fellows, or some adventuresome youth rushed as far as the counter and hit it with his cricket bat, the more timid ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ...Parkle being discovered in the back of the shop, her tormentors lost no time in harassing her again. By way of tempting the foe, a boy was now and then pushed a few paces into the shop by his fellows, or some adventuresome youth rushed as far as the counter and hit it with his cricket bat, the more timid contenting themselves with casting refuse from the gutter through the doorway; but, whatever they did, they steadily continued to repeat their chorus with mechanical regularity, --" Old Moth-er Tar-kle, Come out, you dirty ras-cal." It was a difficult matter for George Vanbrugh to act under these circumstances. He walked to and fro between the corner and Parkle and Co.'s emporium, undecided whether to espouse the cause of the firm or remain neutral. At one time it seemed as if the decision would hardly rest in his hands, for the boys appeared disposed to treat him as an enemy and make him the subject of attack; but his stature and strength-evidently convinced them of the unwisdom of the idea. Be this as it may, they certainly concentrated their forces upon the Parkle stronghold, and went on advancing and retiring with conspicuous bravery, as the fortune of war required. After much thought Vanbrugh conceived the idea of calling a truce by the purchase of a second ball, for which he was perfectly willing to find the money. But the operation was a delicate one. He knew very well that as soon as coin was forthcoming he would be mobbed by the whole crowd. By good fortune, however, he was enabled to treat with one of the party without the knowledge of the rest. This was Jim, who, having been somewhat roughly treated by the enemy, began to feel his wounds acutely now the excitement was over. He had consequently ceased to take an active part in the...
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