“Plenty more such places, boys,” said Mr Marston, “so never mind. We’ll hunt one out and make much of it before my drain turns all this waste into fertile fields. Now let’s get back, for I have a lot to chat over with the wheelwright.”
The next morning Hickathrift was beaming, and he came up to the Toft to catch Dick, who was feeding Solomon and avoiding his friendly kicks, while he waited for Tom to go over with him to the works.
“Say, Mester Dick, on’y think of it! Leave that owd ass alone, lad, and listen to me.”
“What is it, Hicky?”
“Why, lad, I’m a man full o’—what do you call that when a chap wants to get on in the world?”
“Ambition, Hicky.”
“That’s it, Mester Dick. I’m full on it, bud I’ve nivver hed a chance. You see I’ve had to mend gates, and owd carts, and put up fences. I did nearly get the job to build a new barn, bud I lost it, and all my life’s been jobs.”
“And what now?” said Dick warmly.
“What now, lad! Why, Mester Marston’s set me to mak three sets o’ small watter gates for sides o’ the dreern, and I’m to hev money in advance for the wood and iron work, and my fortune’s about made.”
“Hooray, Hicky! I am glad,” cried Dick; and Tom, coming up, was initiated into the great new step in advance, and added his congratulations.