“Right you are, mate.” And the men went on with their task muttering—
“Don’t see how it would make a mess if they were opened in the front passage. Long time since there’s been a broom there.”
“See the spiders too?”
“No, but I saw the webs.”
“But what does he do with all these books? He can’t read ’em all.”
“Collects ’em, I should say. Steady! Got it?”
“Right!” and the second chest was carried in. “One moment while I shut the door,” said the professor, rubbing his hands; “then I’ll show you the way. Now then, please; mind the book-cases as you pass. It is rather dark. Very heavy, I suppose?”
“Oh, tidy, sir. Nothing to signify. Books is heavy things.”
“Yes, very heavy, my good man. That’s right, through this door, and down these stone stairs. I’m afraid you find it very heavy.”
“Oh, we’re all right, sir. Used to it,” grunted Tom. “We’re always lifting things in or out; but we has a good rest between, sir, and rides about in the company’s carriage.”