“Yes, and got lions’ heads on the handles just at the end.”
“Ours are just the same,” said Dick. “I say, Tom, it won’t be very pleasant for the spirits if they come now. Hullo, what does Hicky want?”
The big wheelwright was signalling to them to come, and they turned in to his work-shed.
“Thowt you lads ’d like to see,” he said. “What d’yer think o’ them?”
He pointed to a couple of muskets lying on the bench.
“Are these yours?” said Tom.
“Yes and no, lads. They’re for me and Jacob, and we’ve got orders to be ready at any time to join in and help run down them as does all the mischief; but it’s a sorry business, lads. Powther and shot’s no use. Yow can’t get shut of sperrits that ways. Good goons, aren’t they?”
The pieces were inspected and the boys soon afterwards started.
“I don’t see much use in our going down here,” said Tom, “for if there is anything stupid it’s the cutting of a drain. It’s all alike, just the same as the first bit they cut.”
“Only we don’t have to go so far to see the men at work. I suppose one of these days we shall have Mr Marston setting up huts for the men about the Toft. Hist! look out! What’s that?”