“I d’know, sir, anyways as aren’t near them.”
“Why, it was a couple of birds of some kind.”
“What! them snorky bill birds?” said Billy, alluding to the hornbills.
“Yes, I expect it was one of them, or a kingfisher.”
“Birds!” said Billy in tones of disgust. “I never heerd no bird laugh at you when you was in trouble. I’m thinking as there’s things in this here place as it wouldn’t be nice to meet.”
“I daresay there are, Billy; but these were birds.”
“Birds! Hark at him! Would a bird shout to you to walk?”
“It didn’t. It was a sort of croak.”
“If we stops here I shall feel as if I’m going to croak, Mr Mark, sir. Why, them things made me feel cold all down my back.”
“Nonsense! Come, shout again!”