“I wish he had.”
“Look here, my man,” said Mr Carlile at last, “have a rest now for a bit. I will go on the other side of Mr Manners.”
“No, no, sir; I can manage, thank ye,” said Drinkwater. “I am a strong one, you know, and it comes easy to such as me.”
“So I see. But even the strong need rest, you know.”
The man shook his head.
“I don’t need no rest,” he said. “I have worked hard all my life, and it won’t hurt me to do a bit more.”
“Hark at that,” said Josh. “Old grumpus!”
“Better leave him alone,” said Willows. “He will have his own way. Don’t interfere.”
“Oh, very well,” said the Vicar. “Want a rest, Mr Manners?”
“No, no. We had better get on. What time is it?”