"Look away, nobody hinders you," replied the old woman; and these were the only words she would say.
Jem was not, however, a boy to be easily discouraged; he went to the rocks and walked slowly along, looking at all the stones as he passed. Presently he came to a place where a number of men were at work loosening some large rocks, and one amongst the workmen was stooping down, looking for something very eagerly; Jem ran up, and asked if he could help him.
"Yes," said the man, "you can. I've just dropped amongst this heap of rubbish a fine piece of crystal that I got to-day."
"What kind of a looking thing is it?" said Jem.
"White, and like glass," said the man, and went on working, whilst Jem looked very carefully over the heap of rubbish for a great while.
"Come," said the man, "it's gone for ever; don't trouble yourself any more, my boy."
"It's no trouble; I'll look a little longer; we will not give it up so soon," said Jem; and after he had looked a little longer, he found the piece of crystal.
"Thank'e," said the man; "you are a fine little industrious fellow."
Jem, encouraged by the tone of voice in which the man spoke this, ventured to ask him the same questions which he had asked the old woman.
"One good turn deserves another," said the man. "We are going to dinner just now, and shall leave off work; wait for me here, and I'll make it worth your while."