I simply answered, rather fiercely,
'Be good enough to leave me.'
'Well, I make no objections, mind. I'm takin' thy word—thou'rt Maud Ruthyn—'appen thou be'st and 'appen thou baint. I'm not aweer on't, but I takes thy word, and all I want to know's just this, did Meg open the gate to thee?'
I made him no answer, and to my great relief I saw Milly striding and skipping across the unequal stepping-stones.
'Hallo, Pegtop! what are you after now?' she cried, as she drew near.
'This man has been extremely impertinent. You know him, Milly?' I said.
'Why that's Pegtop Dickon. Dirty old Hawkes that never was washed. I tell you, lad, ye'll see what the Governor thinks o't—a-ha! He'll talk to you.'
'I done or said nout—not but I should, and there's the fack—she can't deny't; she hadn't a hard word from I; and I don't care the top o' that thistle what no one says—not I. But I tell thee, Milly, I stopped some o' thy pranks, and I'll stop more. Ye'll be shying no more stones at the cattle.'
'Tell your tales, and welcome,' cried Milly. 'I wish I was here when you jawed cousin. If Winny was here she'd catch you by the timber toe and put you on your back.'
'Ay, she'll be a good un yet if she takes arter thee,' retorted the old man with a fierce sneer.