It could be no other than "Brick" Simpson, the redoubtable leader of a redoubtable gang.

Twice within their memory he had led his gang up the Hill and spread panic and terror among the Hill-dwelling young folk, who fled wildly to their homes, while their fathers and mothers hurriedly telephoned for the police.
At sight of the group on the corner, the rabble at the heels of the three boys melted away on the instant with like manifestations of fear.

This but increased the anxiety of the boys, though they held boldly on their way.
The red-haired boy detached himself from the group, and stepped before them, blocking their path.

They essayed to go around him, but he stretched out his arm.
"Wot yer doin' here ?" he snarled.

"Why don't yer stay where yer b'long ?" "We 're just going home," Fred said mildly.
Brick looked at Joe.