After a while, the lad tried again.

A few years back I was at a bus stop where two young black lads were trying, and failing, to hail a taxi.

Four Spanish lads tried their best to explain why they had returned.

"Here, lad," someone whispered, and tried to help him into a sitting position.

Then the lad tried to strike a match, but those in his pocket had become wet from his unexpected bath.

Only - look, lad - don't try to be clever.

Keep your heads held high my lads try to stay on side.

In a few moments, all six lads is out cold or trying to stagger up.

He was ready to like Silas, seeing the way the lad tried to take on all the heavy work to spare Hattie.

He kills his own guard when the lad tries to stop him.