“Fine eyes for his age,” said Ike in a low growl.
“How dare you speak, sir, till you are called upon for your defence!” cried Sir Francis.
“Oh, all right, your worship!” growled Ike. “On’y you know how dark it weer.”
“Silence, man!”
Plop!
That was Ike’s hand over his mouth again to enforce silence.
“Go on, Philip,” said Sir Francis quietly.
“Yes, pa,” cried the boy excitedly. “As soon as I saw that man shaking down the big pears I ran at him to try and catch him.”
“You should ha’ took off your cap, young un, and ketched me like a butterfly,” growled Ike.
“Will you be silent, sir!”