The barrow had drawn near meanwhile, and now halted at the Admiral's feet. From behind it stepped into view an exceeding small boy, attired mainly in a gigantic pair of corduroys that reached to the armpits, and were secured with string around the shoulders. His face was a mask of woe, and he staunched his tears on a very grimy shirt-sleeve as he stood and gazed mutely into the Admiral's face.
"Go away, boy!" said Admiral Buzza severely.
The boy sobbed loudly, but made no sign of moving.
"Go away, I tell you!"
"'Tes for you, sir."
"For me? What does the boy mean?"
"Iss, sir. Missusses orders that I was to bring et to Adm'ral Buzza's; an' ef I don't pay out Billy Higgs for this nex' time I meets wi' 'un—"
"The child's daft!" roared the Admiral. "D–––– the boy! what has Billy Higgs to do with me?"
Fig11.
"Poured a teacupful o' water down the nape o' my breeches when I'd got ha'f-way up the hill an' cudn' set the barrow down to fight 'un—the coward! Boo-hoo!" and tears flowed again at the recollection.