"'Tis a very handsome feature, Jane, and allers a true friend to your good cookin'. I met Master Lionel in village street, and let 'un know what a wise man was thinking about the times. Agreed wi' every word, he did. I told 'un he'd be called to jine up again in Winchester inside o' fortnit. Like as not Garge here'll be wearin' out shoe-leather in some barrack-yard afore he's much older."
Mrs. Mucklow stared at him, paralysed by astonishment. George, being the most interested party, said heavily:
"Not if I knows meself."
"I say, Garge, as you'll enlist if they want 'ee."
"They won't want the likes o' me."
Jane Mucklow said sharply:
"Don't you go upsettin' the boy wi' your ridiculous war-talk, Father. He come nigh on leavin' us to freeze to death in Canady. Why should we fight to save they Frenchies?"
Uncle grinned and chuckled.
"Ah-h-h! I've a notion about that. I told 'un to the old Captain, and he said 'twas a very notable remark. Fight we shall and must to save our own souls and bodies."
George opened a wide mouth; his mother laughed scornfully.