“Carpenter? I ain’t no carpenter. I want to see the governor.”
Gruffly as the man spoke, he evidently regarded the two young gentlemen as persons of some distinction, and lingered a moment longer to ask another question.
“Beg your pardon, young gents,” said he; “but you don’t chance to know if Alf Rollitt has come back?”
They gazed at him in amazement.
“Rollitt? no. Do you know where he is, I say?”
“Not come back?” said the man, hoarsely. “I made sure as he’d be back afore now.”
“Do you know where he is?” repeated Wally.
“Not me—he’s bound to be somewheres. But the missus, she wouldn’t rest till I come and see.”
“The missus! I say, do you know Rollitt?”
“Well, they do say it’s a wise father as don’t know his own child.”