“Of course I do,” I said. “Now, then, all together once more. Shove the bar in here, Bob.”
“Oh, it’s of no use to shove it there,” he replied. “No; here’s the place. Ah! Now we’ve got it.”
“Shall I come there and help with the bar?” cried Bigley.
“No, you sha’n’t come there and help with the bar,” sneered Bob. “There ain’t hardly room for us two to work, and you’d want a great bar half a mile long all to yourself. Only wish I was as strong as you, an’ I’d just pop that stone over in half a minute.”
“Would you?” said Big, staring at him sadly. “I can’t.”
“No, because you don’t half try.”
“Oh, don’t I? Now you both heave again, and this time we’ll do it.”
“All right,” cried Bob excitedly. “Now, then, all together, heave ho, my lads, heave ho! And this does it. One—two—three—and—”
“Oh, look at that!” cried Bigley, straightening himself again. “There now, did you ever see such a chap?” cried Bob, stamping with rage; “just as she was going over, and it only wanted about half a pound to do it, he leaves off.”
“Well, how would you like your other brace buckle to get torn up by the roots?” said Bigley reproachfully.