And this was a truth. But at that moment, at the back of the Tinklers' Lands, the Drabble was getting much good from Cleg Kelly. Cleg had off his coat and the Drabble was being "warmed."
"That'll learn ye to touch the Kavannahs' bed!" cried Cleg.
And the Drabble sat down.
"That's for miscaain' my faither!"
The Drabble sat down again at full length.
"That's for tellin' me to say my prayers! I learn you to meddle wi' my prayers!"
Thus Cleg upheld the Conscience Clause.
But the Drabble soon had enough. He warded Cleg off with a knee and elbow, and stated what he would do when he met him again on a future unnamed occasion.
He would tell his big brother, so he would, and his big brother would smash the face of all the Kellys that ever breathed.
Cleg was not to be outdone.