“Ah, you’re a lucky one, mate,” he observed in a hoarse whisper.
The boy smiled.
“Amy been at you again?” he enquired.
It was well known that Joe and his wife, Amy, were not a happy couple.
The other looked round him.
“She’s a shrew and no mistake, Hal,” he said softly.
Hal laughed.
“You’re right,” he said. “But cheer thyself,” he added, as Anny brought a tankard. “Look’ee, Joe, did ever you set eyes on a man called Black’erchief Dick?”
“I did that”—Joe’s face appeared red above the pot—“and I set eyes on one of his mange-struck crew as well,” he said fiercely.
“Ah, and who might that be?” Granger inquired.