
In the noisy heart of early‑1900s London, a wiry street‑kid named Bobbie Lancaster darts through crowded courts and bustling pubs, his quick wit and sharp tongue matching the clamor around him. When a sudden accident erupts near the public house, the boy finds himself thrust into the centre of a frantic police inquest, his testimony suddenly worth more than the cheap handkerchief he tucks a shilling into. The scene is alive with brash characters—a fiery shopkeeper, a gruff constable, and a nervous carpenter—each adding their own colour to the chaotic scramble for answers.
As the authorities scramble to piece together what happened, Bobbie’s youthful perspective becomes both a liability and a surprising advantage. He must navigate the pressure of adult expectations while staying true to his own street‑wise instincts, all under the watchful eyes of curious onlookers. The story captures a vivid slice of urban life, where the line between innocence and responsibility blurs in the rush of the crowd.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (353K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-08-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1859–1930
A sharp and warmly funny observer of everyday London life, he turned working-class streets, shop counters, and family squabbles into lively fiction. His stories are known for their humor, sympathy, and close attention to ordinary people.
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