The girl thanked Diamond, and began sweeping as if nothing had happened, while his father led him away.

With the help of old Tom, the waterman, he was soon washed into decency, and his father set him on the box again, perfectly satisfied with the account he gave of the cause of his being in a fray.
"I couldn't let them behave so to a poor girl--could I, father ?" he said.
"Certainly not, Diamond," said his father, quite pleased, for Diamond's father was a gentleman.
A moment after, up came the girl, running, with her broom over her shoulder, and calling, "Cab, there! cab!" Diamond's father turned instantly, for he was the foremost in the rank, and followed the girl.

One or two other passing cabs heard the cry, and made for the place, but the girl had taken care not to call till she was near enough to give her friends the first chance.

When they reached the curbstone--who should it be waiting for the cab but Mrs.and Miss Coleman! They did not look at the cabman, however.

The girl opened the door for them; they gave her the address, and a penny; she told the cabman, and away they drove.
When they reached the house, Diamond's father got down and rang the bell.