The man grasped this and his eyes gleamed.
“Ay,” he replied succinctly.
As they walked Hilliard attempted light conversation, but without eliciting much response from their new acquaintance, and it was not until he had consumed his third bottle of beer that his tongue became somewhat looser.
“Any chance of a job where you’re working?” Hilliard went on. “My pal and I would be glad to pick up something.”
The man shook his head, apparently noticing nothing incongruous in the question.
“Don’t think it.”
“No harm in asking the boss anyway. Where might we find him?”
“Down at works likely. He be there most times.”
“I’d rather go to his house. Can you tell where he lives?”
“Ay. Down at works.”