But Tom picked himself and, muttering “Yo’st both on yo’ pay for this,” limped off crest fallen.
“And nah, lad, we’st best be going whom. I’m spent up an’ awve fuffen,(fought) an’ if that doesn’t mak’ a gooid Wakes aw dunnot know what does. But what about these wenches here? Dost know ’em?”
Now I thought I did. I turned to the younger of the two.
“Aren’t you Burnplatters?” I asked.
She cast down her head, and a hot flush suffused her face.
“Yes, no, that is my grandmother…”
“I thought I’d seen the old lady our way,” I explained. “Well, if I may make so free, you’d better be making your way toward Slaithwaite, for yon two are ugly customers, and it is best you kept out of their way. So, by your leave, Jim and I will set you on your road.”
“Oh, please, don’t trouble. Granddam and I are used to taking care of ourselves. And oh! how can I thank you?”
“Thank Jim,” I said. “Come along, if you don’t mind. It’s a tidy step over Stanedge, and the night draws in betimes these days.”
So without more ado I took charge of the maiden, whose fluttering hand rested confidingly on my arm. Jim followed me with the elder woman as we made our way through the crowd.