“I should think they were left out,” he cried. “Then I must use your name instead of Chakes, eh?”
“No, no, Mr Gramp; pray don’t do that; the rector doesn’t know. I only told my uncle, and I wasn’t thinking about you when I tried to set it going.”
“But, you see, sir, it was such a thing to do—to meddle with a big church clock. If it had been an old Dutch with wooden works and sausage weights, or a brass American, I shouldn’t have said a word; but my church clock, as I’ve tended for years! really, sir, you know it’s too bad a deal.”
“Yes, Mr Gramp, it was too bad; a great piece of—of—assumption.”
“Assumption, sir; yes, sir, that’s the very word. Well, really, I hardly know what to say.”
“Say nothing, Mr Gramp.”
“You did tell the doctor, sir?”
“Yes, I told uncle.”
“Hum! I’m going to call at the Little Manor to see the doctor about the tall eight-day. Perhaps I’d better consult him.”
“Well, yes, speak to uncle if you like, but go by what he says.”