Jack & Harry Read Online Free

want you to go home now with young Billy here …’
    â€˜His name’s William not Billy ,’ interrupted Munse.
    The constable ignored the rebuff and went on. ‘Take Billy and the bike home, sir. I’m sure there must be some explanation for all of this and I’ll get to the bottom of it. Take the weekend to cool down … all of you!’ This comment was directed mainly at William Munse who stood menacingly on the verandah facing young Jack and Harry. ‘I’ll be back around on Monday afternoon after school to get statements from you three boys.’
    â€˜I will bring William to the station after school. There’s no need for you to come to my house.’ Munse was horrified at the thought that a police car might be seen parked outside his home.
    â€˜Whatever you prefer, sir,’ the constable replied.
    â€˜Don’t think because you happen to know the constable that your boy will get away with this, Ferguson. I’ll make sure there is a charge, I have better contacts than you, you know.’
    Before Jack could respond Munse stepped from the verandah with his arm around his son and they went out the gate together wheeling the bike.
    â€˜I don’t believe this!’ Jack stared after the Munses running his hand through his hair. ‘You’re accused of stealing a bike, Jack, that’s serious you know? You too, Harry.’
    â€˜I know it’s serious, Dad,’ Jack replied for both of them ‘But we didn’t steal it. He let us ride it then his dad turned up and he started yellin’ that we stole the bike.’
    The policeman intervened. ‘Look, I know it’s a serious accusation, Jack, but there’s no point in everyone getting upset and ruining the weekend. Forget about it until I get the statements and sort a few things out early next week.’
    â€˜Yeah, I guess you’re right, Bob, but you blokes are grounded.’ He glared at the two boys. ‘For the whole weekend and I’ve a good mind to send you packing off home with your parents, Harry.’
    â€˜Dad! That’s not fair,’ Jack pleaded. ‘We didn’t steal the bike and even you believe that Mr Munse and his kid instead of us.’ Young Jack was close to tears. He was frustrated and felt cheated by the injustice.
    â€˜He’s right you know, Jack.’ The constable supported the boy’s defence. ‘Nothing is proven at this point.’
    â€˜OK, OK! I’m just upset that’s all and what right has that Munse to come around here wavin’ his bloody fists around and threatening us. Anyway you boys are still grounded. You’ll have to amuse yourselves in the yard if you still want to stay over, Harry, until this thing is sorted out. I don’t want either of you out in the street. Is that clear?’
    â€˜Yes, Dad.’
    â€˜Yes, Mr Ferguson.’
    â€˜We’re havin’ a barbecue, Bob, but I guess it wouldn’t be right under the circumstances to invite you to stay?’
    â€˜That’s right, Jack, not good timing and I got to get back to the station anyway. We’ll catch up some other time after this episode is out of the way and have a couple of coldies then.’
    The constable left. Jack went to explain what was going on to Alice and Harry’s parents. The two boys decided it would be prudent to stay out of the way for the time being so they went around the side of the house to where Jack had fashioned a swing from an old tyre slung by a rope to the limb of a mulberry tree. They wanted to discuss what had happened, as they hadn’t had a chance to do so since the debacle in the park.
    â€˜Do you think we’ll go to jail, Jack?’ Harry was clearly concerned.
    â€˜Nah, don’t think so. We didn’t steal the bloody bike, Harry, so how could we go to jail for somethin’ we didn’t do?’
    â€˜What if they don’t believe us, Jack?’
    Jack had no