“Why did you make it so big? It is too big.”
“Is it really? Perhaps I want to put some things in it.”
“Oh, I see; cargo. But where are you going to launch it?”
“Below the stones there.”
“Well, you won’t be able to go far; there’s an old fir across the river down yonder, and a hollow willow has fallen in. Besides, the stream’s too shallow; you’ll take ground before you get half a mile.”
“Shall I?”
“Of course you will. That boat will float six inches deep by herself, and I’m sure there’s not six inches by the Thorns.”
“Very awkward.”
“Why didn’t you have a hide boat made, with a willow framework and leather cover? Then you might perhaps get down the river by hauling it past the shallows and the fallen trees. In two days’ time you would be in the hands of the gipsies.”
“And you would be Sir Constans’ heir!”