"Yes, I heard him driving them by a few minutes ago. He'll be back presently."
"Thank you, sir. May I go there and see you work till he comes?"
"Yes, I'm willing. The Squire is the owner here."
Bertie ran around by the bulkhead and soon was standing by the stonelayer in the cellar. He didn't speak until they had finished lifting the heavy stone into its place. He stood and watched them, wondering whether he should ever be strong enough to lift so much.
"I don't think I should like to be a stone-mason," he said, in a sympathizing tone.
"Well, you may have to come to it for all that," the man answered, speaking very cross.
"Don't snap up the boy so; he meant no harm," urged the other. "Here, my little fellow, will you take a quid of tobacco?" at the same time putting a piece in his own mouth.
"Thank you, sir, but I never eat any tobacco. Mamma says it makes people crave drink; and then they become drunkards."
The cross mason uttered a shocking oath, in connection with the name of Mrs. Curtis, and started forward with his trowel as if he were about to strike the boy.