“They’re very clever,” he said in a high voice, so that the squire and Mr Marston, who were in front, could hear; “but I’ve got my hye upon them.”
“Why didn’t you ketch ’em, then, ’fore they did this here?” said Dave with a little laugh.
“Ay, why didst thou not stop this?” growled Hickathrift.
“Because the thing was not quite ripe. I shall tak’ ’em yet red-handed, and then—”
He paused and rubbed his hands.
“What then?” asked Dave.
“Transportation or hanging—one of them,” said the constable with a chuckle.
“Ay, but you heven’t found ’em yet,” said Dave, shaking his head.
“Nay, bud I can put my hand on ’em pretty well when I like.”
“Wheer are they, then?” said Hickathrift excitedly.