“Well, no, Master Ditchard, sir,” said Josh, who was confused as to the proper way of using the names Dick and Richard; “not wild beasts here.”
“You must go two miles farther,” said Will, “and we can show you the seal-caves.”
“With seals in them?” cried Richard.
“Oh, yes, plenty,” said Will. “Josh thinks there is something unpleasant lives in these zorns.”
“No, not exactly lives,” said Josh, hesitating; “and don’t you get making game of ’em, young fellow,” he added, turning to Will. “Them as is a deal older than us wouldn’t go in ’em to save their lives.”
“Why, what is there in the cave, my man?” said Mr Temple.
“Oh! I shouldn’t like to say, sir,” said Josh, gazing furtively into the darksome hole in the rock.
“But you are not afraid?”
“Afraid, sir! Oh, no, I’m not afraid; but I don’t think it’s right to go in and disturb what’s there.”
“Ah, well, Dick, we’ll go,” said Mr Temple; “and we must apologise if the occupants object.”