“Fifteen after three twenties,” she replied; meaning that she was seventy-five.
From her appearance I should almost have guessed that she had been fifteen after four twenties. I, however, did not tell her so, for I am always cautious not to hurt the feelings of anybody, especially of the aged.
Continuing my way I soon overtook a man driving five or six very large hogs. One of these which was muzzled was of a truly immense size, and walked with considerable difficulty on account of its fatness. I walked for some time by the side of the noble porker, admiring it. At length a man rode up on horseback from the way we had come; he said something to the driver of the hogs, who instantly unmuzzled the immense creature, who gave a loud grunt on finding his snout and mouth free. From the conversation which ensued between the two men I found that the driver was the servant and the other the master.
“Those hogs are too fat to drive along the road,” said I at last to the latter.
“We brought them in a cart as far as the Pentré Dwr,” said the man on horseback, “but as they did not like the jolting we took them out.”
“And where are you taking them to?” said. I.
“To Llangollen,” said the man, “for the fair on Monday.”
“What does that big fellow weigh?” said I, pointing to the largest hog.
“He’ll weigh about eighteen score,” said the man.
“What do you mean by eighteen score?” said I.