“But could you now? Could you make ’em on a flat stone, like a paving-stone?”
“If I’d any thing to draw with, I could,” said Jan. “I could draw on any thing, if I had something in my hand to draw with.”
The Cheap Jack’s face became brighter, and in a mollified tone he said to his wife, “He’s a prime card for such a young un. It’s a rum thing, too! A man I knowed was grand at screeving, but he said himself he was nowheres on paper. He made fifteen to eighteen shillin’ a week on a average,” the hunchback continued. “I’ve knowed him take two pound.”
“Did you ever draw fish, my dear?” he inquired.
“No, sir,” said Jan. “But I’ve drawn pigs and dogs, and I be mostly able to draw any thing I sees, I think.”
The Cheap Jack whistled. “Profiles pays well,” he murmured; “but the tip is the Young Prodigy.”
“We’re so pleased to see what a clever boy you are, Jan,” said Sal; “that’s all, my dear. Put the bridle on the horse, John, for we’ve got to go round by the mill.”
Whilst the Cheap Jack obeyed her, Sal poked in the cart, from which she returned with three tumblers on a plate. She gave one to her husband, took one herself, and gave the third to Jan.
“Here’s to your health, love,” said she; “drink to mine, Jan, and I’ll be a good mother to you.” Jan tasted, and put his glass down again, choking. “It’s so strong!” he said.
The Cheap Jack looked furious. “Nice manners they’ve taught this brat of yours!” he cried to Sal. “Do ye think I’m going to take my ’oss a mile out of the road to take him to see his friends, when he won’t so much as drink our good healths?”