Will cracked his bit of whip with a scornful laugh. “Before you see me in this house again, you’ll have to carry me in!”
“Carry him in? D’ye hear that, Nip?” The ancient chuckled contemptuously. “That’s a good ’un.”
“Carry me in,” repeated Will fiercely. And holding up his hand, “So help me God!” he cried.
“Spare your swearings, buoy-oy,” said Daniel grimly, throwing the plaintive Nip another pile of sugary splendour. “Ye ’ont never cross this threshold agen save on your hands and knees.” And sending his knife quivering into the floor, he brought down his hand on his Bible. “On your hands and knees,” he repeated solemnly.
Will turned and strode out stiffly. He looked almost tall. A moment later they heard the clatter and jingle of the great equipage moving forwards and the jubilant winding of the long horn.
CHAPTER X
HORSE, GROOM, AND BRIDE
Then lay my tott’ring legs so low
That have run very far,
O’er hedges and o’er ditches,