David, she had said, I ken ye was only jokin, but dinna ye be ower sure o yersel. Although thae English lassies are a kine o waux dolls, they have a sort o way wi them that might be dangerous to lads like you.
Hm! David had replied, in that short tone of self-sufficiency which conveys so much more than the syllable would seem to warrant.
The Scottish youth had neither kith nor kin in London, but he had one friend, an old school companion, who, several years before, had gone to seek his fortune in the great city, and whose address he knew. To this address he betook himself on the morning of his arrival, but found that his friend had changed his abode. The whole of that day did David spend in going about. He was sent from one place to another, in quest of his friend, and made diligent use of his long legs, but without success. Towards evening he was directed to a street on the Surrey side of the Thames, and it was while on his way thither that he chanced to enter the alley where poor Susan was assaulted.
Like most Scotsmen of his class and size David Laidlaw was somewhat leisurely and slow in his movements when not called to vigorous exertion, but when he heard the girls shriek, and, a moment later, saw her fall, he sprang to her side with one lithe bound, like that of a Bengal tiger, and aimed a blow at her assailant, which, had it taken effect, would have interrupted for some timeif not terminated for everthat rascals career. But the thief, though drunk, was young, strong, and active. It is also probable that he was a professional pugilist for, instead of attempting to spring back from the blowwhich he had not time to dohe merely put his head to one side and let it pass. At the same instant David received a stinging whack on the right eye, which although it failed to arrest his rush, filled his vision with starry coruscations.
The thief fell back and the Scot tripped over him. Before he could recover himself the thief was up like an acrobat and gone. At the same moment two policemen, rushing on the scene in answer to the girls shriek, seized David by the collar and held him fast.
There was Highland as well as Lowland blood in the veins of young Laidlaw. This sanguinary mixture is generally believed to possess effervescing properties when stirred. It probably does. For one moment the strength of Goliath of Gath seemed to tingle in Davids frame, and the vision of two policemens heads battered together swam before his eyesbut he thought better of it and restrained himself!
Tak yer hands aff me, freens, he said, suddenly unclosing his fists and relaxing his brows. Yed better see after the puir lassie. An dinna fear for me. Im no gawn to rin awa!
Perceiving the evident truth of this latter remark, the constables turned their attention to the girl, who was by that time beginning to recover.
Where am I? asked Susy, gazing into the face of her rescuer with a dazed look.
Yer a right, puir bairn. See, tak had o my airm, said the Scot.
Thats the way, now, take hold of mine, said one of the constables in a kindly tone; come alongyoull be all right in a minute. The station is close at hand.
Thus supported the girl was led to the nearest police station, where David Laidlaw gave a minute account of what had occurred to the rather suspicious inspector on duty. While he was talking, Susan, who had been provided with a seat and a glass of water, gazed at him with profound interest. She had by that time recovered sufficiently to give her account of the affair, and, as there was no reason for further investigation of the matter, she was asked if her home was far off, and a constable was ordered to see her safely there.
Ye needna fash, said David carelessly, Im gawn that way mysel, an if the puir lassie has nae objection Ill be glad to
The abrupt stoppage in the youths speech was caused by his turning to Susy and looking full and attentively in her face, which, now that the colour was restored and the dishevelled hair rearranged, had a very peculiar effect on him. His mothers idea of a waux doll instantly recurred to his mind, but the interest and intelligence in Susys pretty face was very far indeed removed from the vacant imbecility which usually characterises that fancy article of juvenile luxury.
Of course if the girl wishes you to see her home, said the inspector, I have no objection, but Ill send a constable to help you to take care of her.
Help me to tak care o her! exclaimed David, whose pride was sorely hurt by the distrust implied in these words; man, I could putt her in my pooch an you alang wi her.
Of this remark Mr Inspector, who had resumed his pen, took no notice whatever, but went on writing while one of the constables prepared to obey his superiors orders. In his indignation the young Scot resolved to fling out of the office and leave the police to do as they pleased in the matter, but, glancing at Susy as he turned round, he again met the gaze of her soft blue eyes.
Cway, lassie, I wull gang wi ye, he said, advancing quickly and offering his arm.
Being weak from the effects of her fall, Susy accepted the offer willingly, and was supported on the other side by a policeman.
In a short time the trio ascended the rookery stair and presented themselves to the party in the garret-garden just as Sam Blake and Tommy Splint were about to leave it.
It is impossible to describe adequately the scene that ensuedthe anxiety of the poor seaman to be recognised by his long lost babby, the curious but not unnatural hesitancy of that babby to admit that he was her father, though earnestly assured of the fact by chimney-pot Liz; the surprise of David Laidlaw, and even of the policeman, at being suddenly called to witness so interesting a domestic scene, and the gleeful ecstasy of Tommy Splint over the whole affairflavoured as it was with the smell and memory of recent sassengers.
When the constable at last bid them good-night and descended the stair, the young Scot turned to go, feeling, with intuitive delicacy, that he was in the way, but once again he met the soft blue eyes of Susy, and hesitated.
Hallo, young man! cried Sam Blake, on observing his intention, you aint agoin to leave usarter saving my gals life, prapsanywise her property. No, no; youll stop here all night an
He paused: Well, I do declare I forgot I wasnt aboard my own ship, but again he paused and looked at old Liz.
Ive no room for any of you in the garret, said that uncompromising woman, there aint more than one compartment in it, and thats not too big for me an Susy; but youre welcome, both of you, to sleep in the garden if you choose. Tommy sleeps there, under a big box, and a clever sea-farin man like you could
All right, old lady, cried the seaman heartily. Ill stop, an thankee; well soon rig up a couple o bunks. So you will stop too, young manby the way, youyou didnt give us your name yet.
My name is David Laidlaw; but I wont stop, thankee, replied the Scot with unexpected decision of manner. Ye see, Ive been lookin a this day for an auld freen an I must find him afore the morns mornin, if I should seek him a nicht. But, butmaybe Ill come an speer for ee in a day or twaif I may.
If you mean that you will come and call, Mr Laidlaw, said old Liz, we will be delighted to see you at any time. Dont forget the address.