“Ah, it was too bad, Dave; but there are a couple of fine large horns at home I’ve saved for you, and we’ve bought you a pound of powder.”
“Nay, I sha’n’t believe it till I see ’em,” said Dave. “I did mean to hev asked you lads to come netting, but I can’t ask them as plays tricks.”
“Netting! What, the ruffs?”
“Ay, I weer thinking about heving a try for ’em. But I shall give it up.”
“Dave, you promised me a year ago that you’d take us with you some time, and you never have,” cried Dick.
“Nay, did I though?”
“Yes; didn’t he, Tom?”
“Nay, yow needn’t ask him; he’ll be sewer to say yes,” said Dave, grinning.
“Look here,” cried Dick, “I’m not going to argue with you, Dave. Are you going to take us?”
“Some day, lad, when the watter’s down, if my live birds aren’t all drownded and my stales (stuffed decoys) spoiled.”