If they cannot kick their own ball, they kick one that belongs to another team.
There is much shouting, much laughter and some bad language! and so they go at it till presently there is a great cheer, for Hoxton has got a second goal, and Haggerston is defeated.

And they keep at it for two long hours, if they are not interfered with, then back to their lairs and food.
All this time good people have been in the churches close by, and the shouting of the Hoxtonians has disturbed them, and the gentle whisper of the Haggerstonians has annoyed them.

Some of them are scandalised, and say the police ought to stop such nuisances; perhaps they are right, for there is much to be said against it.

But there is something to be said on the other side, too; for the natural instinct of English boys must have an outlet or perish.

If it perish they perish too, and then old England would miss them.
So let them play, but give them playgrounds! For playgrounds will pay better than nice, respectable parks.