He's come into a fortun', and turned gentleman. See his new
clothes."
"So he has," said Jim. "Where'd he get 'em, I wonder?"
"Hooked 'em, p'raps. Let's go and stir him up a little. We don't
want no gentlemen on our beat. So he's puttin' on airs,--is he?
I'll give him a lesson."
So saying the two boys walked up to our hero, who had not observed
them, his back being turned, and Micky Maguire gave him a smart slap
on the shoulder.
Dick turned round quickly.
CHAPTER XIV
A BATTLE AND A VICTORY
"What's that for?" demanded Dick, turning round to see who had
struck him.
"You're gettin' mighty fine!" said Micky Maguire, surveying Dick's
new clothes with a scornful air.
There was something in his words and tone, which Dick, who was
disposed to stand up for his dignity, did not at all relish.
"Well, what's the odds if I am?" he retorted. "Does it hurt you
any?"
"See him put on airs, Jim," said Micky, turning to his companion.
"Where'd you get them clo'es?"
"Never mind where I got 'em. Maybe the Prince of Wales gave 'em to
me."
"Hear him, now, Jim," said Micky. "Most likely he stole 'em."
"Stealin' aint in _my_ line."
It might have been unconscious the emphasis which Dick placed on the
word "my." At any rate Micky chose to take offence.
"Do you mean to say _I_ steal?" he demanded, doubling up his fist,
and advancing towards Dick in a threatening manner.
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