Jack & Harry Read Online Free PDF Page A

cup.’
    â€˜Then you’ll both do your dough. Comic Court is already past the post and’ll go down in history as the winner of the 1950 Melbourne Cup,’ Jack said with finality.
    â€˜OK, you boys.’ Alice came out of the house. ‘Stop arguing,’ she laughed.
    That night in bed Alice turned to Jack before she switched the light off. ‘That was a good day, Jack, despite the problem with the police and the boys. You don’t think they stole that boy’s bike do you?’
    â€˜No I don’t. I know Jack wouldn’t steal anything and I’m sure that Harry is just as honest as Jack is. There’s got to be some misunderstanding. It’ll get sorted out. Are you going to turn the light out?’
    â€˜There’s no chance they’d go to jail is there?’ she persisted.
    â€˜No, Alice!’ Jack sounded exasperated. ‘Even if they did steal it, which they didn’t, they’re too young to go to jail. They’d just get a good talking to from the sergeant. After all, that Billy still had the bike so it’s not like it was stolen and sold or lost or whatever.’
    â€˜But his father said that he would have them charged and he’s a solicitor.’
    â€˜He’s just a red-faced bag of wind and the fact that he’s a solicitor doesn’t put him outside the law, Alice. It’ll be all right …believe me. There’s something fishy about this and I think that that Billy is lying. Bob will get to the bottom of it when he takes the statements and examines it all.’ Jack rolled onto his side but Alice continued.
    â€˜Shouldn’t we let the boys know to take the pressure off them as they seem very upset about it all and were very quiet today …not their usual boisterous selves.’ Alice had her head cradled on her arm facing Jack.
    â€˜Good to have ’em quiet for a change. No, let ’em sweat a bit longer. I don’t believe for a minute that they did it but it won’t hurt for them to be aware of the sort of consequences that can happen and if they were ever tempted in the future to pinch something. I’m sure this experience will make them think twice.’
    Jack leaned across and kissed his wife on the cheek. ‘Now please go to sleep. Good night, Alice.’
    â€˜Good night, dear.’ She turned out the light.

    In the sleepout attached to the back of the house where Jack and Harry were in bed both boys were still awake but the house was quiet so they whispered so as not to disturb anybody.
    â€˜What a day, Harry. That Billy’s a lyin’ little shit.’
    â€˜Do ya reckon we’ll go to jail, Jack?’ Harry asked, for what seemed to Jack to be like the hundredth time.
    â€˜We can’t go to jail for pinching somethin’ we didn’t pinch. It wouldn’t be right. We’re innocent, Harry.’
    â€˜Yeah, I suppose so. I’m gonna kill that Billy though when all this has died down.’
    â€˜Then he’ll be twice dead ’cause I’m gonna kill him too.’ They sniggered quietly at Jack’s comment.
    â€˜What’ll we do tomorrow, Jack? Can’t go to the creek seein’ as we’re grounded?’
    â€˜We’ll just hang around here, mate. You can help me build a billycart. I’ve got a box and wheels and everythin’ we need.’
    â€˜Have ya?’
    â€˜Yep and we can use Dad’s tools in the garage. He won’t mind as we’ll be doin’ what he wants and stayin’ in the yard.’
    â€˜Good idea, Jack. She’ll be a beauty.’ Harry yawned. ‘G’nite, Jack, I’m pretty tired.’
    â€˜Me too. See ya in the mornin.’

    Sunday morning dragged on for Jack and Harry. Normally they would be down the creek early or out in the park playing with some of their mates but as they were grounded they moped around the house, played some card games, listened to the wireless and