“Never mind, Dick; we’ll build it up again.”
“Ay, squire, we will,” cried Hickathrift; “and afore long.”
“And what is better, my boy, we saw the wretch who stole off the mere last night and fired the big reed-stack.”
“Yes, father,” cried Dick excitedly. “And I heard him come stealing by here.”
“You did, Dick?”
“Yes, father—not an hour ago.”
“Marston!” cried the squire, hailing the other boat.
“Yes.”
“We’re right. He came by here an hour ago. Dick heard him.”
“You did, Dick?” cried Mr Marston.