That shut Bram up, alright. It was already quite late and if he came home even later, his father would be home and demand an explanation. Perhaps he could say Clover was attacked in the streets, and Bram had fought to protect him, but they had passed out. That also explained why he was entirely covered in mud.

Bram gave Mr. Meijer a wronged look and followed Clover to search for the coat. He nodded at the other boy's suggestion. "But what about your coat? Them boys still need to give it back."