“Aye, lassie,” said he, placing himself between the cart and the dead body on the ground.
“Didn’t I hear you talking?”
“Aye, happen ye did.”
“Who were you talking to?”
“Eh, lass?” said he, pretending not to hear her, so that he might gain time for reflection.
“Who—were—you—talking to?” she asked slowly but querulously, for she was cold and tired, and full of misgivings.
“Eh, but Ah was talking to a mon as were passing.”
“Passing? He didn’t pass me.”
“Noa, lass, Ah didn’t seay as he did. Ye’re mighty sharp.”
“It’s because I don’t understand you. There’s something different about your manners. Something’s happened, I believe!”