Presently the voice of Noakes in subdued tones came to them.
"Now, Josiah, do 'ee stop here at the end of the lane, and if so be you see or hear any one coming up or down along, do 'ee run and tell us—quiet as a cat, mind 'ee."
"All right, feyther. I'll tell 'ee sure enough."
The men passed on. Smail sniffed.
"A powerful smell o' tar, Mr. Noakes," he said in a hoarse murmur.
"Mm'm," grunted Noakes. "Trenchard don't tar his fences till autumn. 'Tis some mischief o' they young varmints, belike. I'll tar 'em!"
"You be sure o' the law, Mr. Noakes? Young feller said summat about my being in quod again. How did he know I been in quod?"
"Quiet, Smail. I'll answer for 'ee, man. Now, you go for'ard, straight along. When you get into coal-shed, gi'e me a whistle."
"Not if I knows it. I can't get in that there winder wi'out being hoisted, and 'tis you must hoist me."
"Stuff and rubbish! Winder's low, and don't 'ee see 'tis best I shouldn't be seen, if so be the door inside's locked and you can't get in?"