“Going a wallucking, Mester Jacob?” he said.
“No; I’m going a-fishing.”
“What, wi’ that line, Mester?”
“Yes.”
“Arn’t it a bit too thick, Mester?”
“Not in the least, Gentles,” I said; and leaving him rubbing his face as if to smooth it after being shaved, I ran on and overtook my uncles just before we reached the works.
“Thought you weren’t coming, Cob,” said Uncle Dick. “What are you going to do with the rope?”
“Have patience,” I said laughing.
Just then we passed Stevens, who scowled at us as he saw me with the rope, while Pannell, who was with him, stared, and his face slowly lit up with a broad grin.
They turned round to stare after us as we went to the gate, and then walked off quickly.