Mr. Crobble, much gratified at this information, placed the letter in my hands; and, leaving me to take a lunch at Garraway's with Mr. Timmis, I eagerly sat about my task—and luckily it was not only plainly written, but the subject-matter by no means difficult, being rather complimentary than technical. By the time they returned, I had not only translated, but made a fair copy of it, in my best hand.
“Come, that is clever,” said Mr. Crobble; “let me see, now, what shall I give you?”
“Nothing, Sir,” I promptly replied; “I am Mr. Timmis's clerk—and all that I know I owe to his kindness.”
I saw, with pleasure, that this compliment was not lost upon my master.
Mr. Crobble was really a gentleman in feeling, and therefore did not persist in offering me any remuneration; but as he left the office, he said, “I thank you, Mr. Andrew—I shall not forget your services;” and departed evidently much pleased with my performance.
CHAPTER XIV.—A Dilemma.
“EE cawnt gow back, 'cause they locks the gates,”
“Well, can we go forward, then?”—“Noa, ee cawnt, 'cause the roads are under water;”
“EE cawnt gow back, 'cause they locks the gates,” said a bumpkin on the road-side to a Cockney-party in a one-horse chaise.