“Ah, where indeed, sir? I have always said that neither the Devonshire nor the Lincolnshire beef is to be named in the same day with that of Durham.”
“Well,” said I, “what business do you follow in these parts? I suppose you farm?”
“No, sir! I do not; I am what they call a mining captain.”
“I suppose that gentleman,” said I, motioning to the man in the leather hat, “is not from Durham?”
“No, sir, he is not; he is from the neighbourhood.”
“And does he follow mining?”
“No, sir, he does not; he carries about the letters.”
“Is your mine near this place?” said I.
“Not very, sir; it is nearer the Devil’s Bridge.”
“Why is the bridge called the Devil’s Bridge?” said I.