“There now! For life, eh?” said Cæsar.
“Yes, for life; but that's nothing,” said Pete; “how's——”
“Wonderful!” cried Cæsar; “five years too! Boy veen, the light was nearly took out of my eyes when I saw you.”
“But Kate? How's Kate? How's the girl, herself?” said Pete nervously.
“Smart uncommon,” said Cæsar.
“God bless her!” cried Pete, with a shout that was heard across the street.
“We'll pick her up at Crellin's, it's like,” said Cæsar.
“What? Crellin's round the corner—Crellin the draper's I Woa! Let me down! The mare's tired, father;” and Pete was over the wheel at a bound.
He came out of the shop saying Kate had left word that her father was not to wait for her—she would perhaps be home before him. Amid a crowd of the “mob beg” children of the streets, to whom he showered coppers to be scrambled for, Pete got up again to Cæsar's side, and they set off for Sulby. The wind had risen suddenly, and was hooting down the narrow streets coming up from the harbour.
“And Philip? How's Philip?” shouted Pete.