“Don’t bother your head about that!” recommended John.
Ben eyed him with considerable respect. “You got a lot of mint-sauce, gov’nor?”
“I’m tolerably well-blunted,” responded John gravely. “Now, listen, Ben! I’m going to remain here—”
“You are?” cried Ben joyfully.
“Until your dad comes back, or, at any rate—”
“Coo, I hope he don’t never come back!”
“Quiet, you unnatural brat! If he doesn’t come back—lord, I’m dashed if I know what I’m to do with you, but I won’t throw you on the Parish, at all events! The thing is, if I’m to stay here I must make some purchases. How far off is the nearest town, and what is it?”
After reflection, Ben said that he thought Tideswell was only a matter of five miles or so. He added that his dad had bought the pig there, and a new coat for the winter. This sounded promising.
“I’ll ride there tomorrow,” John said. “You won’t be scared of minding the gate while I’m away, will you?”
“I ain’t scared—leastways, not in the day time I ain’t,” said Ben. “But I got to muck out Mr. Sopworthy’s henhouse, mind! He’ll tip me a meg, and likely want me to lend a hand at summat else. I dunno when I’ll be back.”