"That's Longbottoms alright, leavin' their babes in the street like that!" the barman commented. Then he frowned and looked around. "Hey. Where's that wee lad gone?" He raised his voice: "If that kid causes trouble in my-,"

A shout in the back of the pub interrupted him. One of the gentlemen pulled James up by the ear. "Here he is! Tried to steal my handkerchief, constable!" He moved to the front pulling James along by the ear.

"I was just tucking it in, for ye!" James protested with one eye shut.