Frank intended to start off without James's knowledge; but the uneasy fellow was always on the look-out, and, seeing his cousin going rapidly down the walk, with a basket on each arm, and his dog—which, like his master, had not much affection for James—he shouted,
"Hallo, old beeswax, where are you bound for?"
"For the village," answered Frank.
"Are you going to take the tow-path?"
"The tow-path! I don't know what you mean."
"Are you going to ride shanks' horses?"
"I don't understand that, either."
"Oh, you are a bass-wood man, indeed," said James, with a taunting laugh. "Are you going to walk? Do you think you can comprehend me now?"
"Yes," answered Frank, "I can understand you when you talk English. No, I am not going to walk."
"Then I'll go with you, if you will leave that dog at home."