“Nay, nay. That would never do, my lad. Couldn’t do it.”
“Why not, Hicky?”
“Not mine. What would squire say?”
“He wouldn’t know, Hicky. I shouldn’t tell him.”
“Bud I should, lad. Suppose thou wast to shoot thee sen, or blow off a leg or a hand? Nay, nay. Yow can hev the boat, bud don’t come to me for a gun.”
Hickathrift was inexorable, and what was more, he watched his applicant narrowly, to make sure that Dick did not corrupt Jacob.
His visitor noticed it, and charged him with the fact.
“Ay,” he said, laughing, “that’s a true word. I know what Jacob is. He’d do anything for sixpence.”
“I hope he wouldn’t set fire to the house for that,” said Dick angrily.
Hickathrift started as if stung, and stared at his visitor.