"That's all very well," said the baker, "but what's the law say about foul smoke? Tell us that, constable."
"Foul smoke be from factory chimneys; t'other smoke bain't foul."
"Of course not," said Eves. "You've got the law at your finger-ends, constable. The penalty for being on the wrong side is a heavy fine, isn't it?"
"That depends on whether 'tis Squire Banks or Sir Timothy on the bench, sir."
"Well, my friend won't prosecute, I'm sure. And when I tell you he was trying a new invention for beating the Germans, you'll be sorry you've ruined it through being on the wrong side of the road."
"Wish we'd knowed that afore, sir," said the smith. "The truth on't is, we thought 'twas Farmer Trenchard's ricks afire."
"And like true Britons you rushed to help your neighbour. Splendid! I'll tell Mr. Trenchard how promptly the brigade turned out; he's very lucky in having such good friends."
"Speaking for us all, sir——" began the smith.
"Not for me," Noakes interrupted, savagely.
"Hear what the man hev got to say, neighbour Noakes," said the baker. "Mebbe I won't agree with him myself, but I'm not the man to say so afore he's hawked it out."