Before he got across Oxford Street, however, he was hailed by a man
who wanted to catch a train, and was in too great a hurry to think
about the driver. Having carried him to King's Cross in good time,
and got a good fare in return, he set off again in great spirits,
and reached the stand in safety. He was the first there after all.

As the men arrived they all greeted him kindly, and inquired after
his father.

"Ain't you afraid of the old 'oss running away with you?" asked one.

"No, he wouldn't run away with me," answered Diamond. "He knows
I'm getting the shillings for father. Or if he did he would only
run home."

"Well, you're a plucky one, for all your girl's looks!" said the man;
"and I wish ye luck."

"Thank you, sir," said Diamond. "I'll do what I can. I came
to the old place, you see, because I knew you would let me have
my turn here."

In the course of the day one man did try to cut him out, but he
was a stranger; and the shout the rest of them raised let him see
it would not do, and made him so far ashamed besides, that he went
away crawling.

Once, in a block, a policeman came up to him, and asked him for
his number. Diamond showed him his father's badge, saying with a smile: