Mrs. Snawdor clutched at Nance, but it was too late.
"I did," she announced.
The judge looked puzzled.
"Why, I thought you said the choir boys began it by sitting on the fence
and making faces and calling names."
"Shucks," said Nance, contemptuously, "we kin beat 'em makin' faces an'
callin' names."
"Well, how did you start the fight?"
"That there big boy dared me to step in the concrete. Didn't you now?"
Mac stood looking straight ahead of him and refused to acknowledge
her presence.
"It strikes me," said the judge, "that you choir boys could be better
employed than in teasing and provoking the children in the alley. What do
you think, Mac?"
Mac had been provided with no answer to this question, so he
offered none.
"Unfortunately," the judge continued, "it is the fathers of boys like you
who have to take the punishment. Your father will have to pay for the
window. But I want to appeal to your common sense and your sense of
justice. Look at me, Mac. You have had advantages and opportunities
beyond most boys. You are older than these children. Don't you think,
instead of using your influence to stir up trouble and put us to this
annoyance and expense, it would be much better for you to keep on your
side of the fence and leave these people back of the cathedral alone?"
"Yes, sir," said Mac, perfunctorily.
"And you promise me to do this?"
"Yes, sir."
"We will give you a chance to make your promise good. But remember your
name is on our record; if there is any more trouble whatever, you will
hear from us.
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