Ern followed reluctantly, as one drawn to his doom by a fate he cannot withstand.
He wanted the walnuts; he wanted to be brave; but he liked Mr. Pigott, and, usually obedient to his brother's suggestions, had qualms in this case.
"Go on then!" urged Alf. It was a favourite phrase of his. "There ayn't no one there."
"Come on yourself," answered Ern without enthusiasm.
"Now, I'll stay and watch the path for you against her," piped Alf.
But for once Ern was firm.
"I aren't a-gooin unless you cooms too," he said doggedly.
"What's the good of me, then?" scoffed Alf in his fierce and feverish way. "Can I climb the tree? Only wish I could. I'd show you. I suppose you'll be throwin that up at me next! My belief you're afraid."
But Ernie was not to be moved from the position which he had taken up. Just now and then Alf had remarked that his brother for all his softness became hard—adamant indeed—in a way that rather frightened Alf.
"I'll goo up the tree and shake em down to you," Ern said in his slow, musical voice. "You stand at the foot of her and gather em."