The Badger uttered an oath, and his ill-favoured countenance wore an expression of disgust.
“Do you know where they keep the shiners?” he asked.
“Oh, yes; I think that’ll be all right. I haven’t been in the house to mend the bell wires without a keeping my eyes open. Ah, ah!”
“Stow that, yer fool!” exclaimed the Badger. “Wait till yer out of the wood afore yer laugh.”
“All right, Ned, I’m as silent as the grave.”
“When were you at ‘The Bells,’ then?” inquired Peace.
“I had a game of skittles this afternoon.”
“At what time?”
“Between three and four o’clock; or it might be a little later. Can’t say to half an hour or so.”
“And that’s how you came to know about these two sporting chaps?”