"But it wouldn't be true, Spriggins," replied his wife.
"I know it won't; but he wants me to arrest the giant, and it's as much as my life is worth," answered the constable, desperately. "I don't think I'm a coward, but I ain't a match for a giant."
The farmer, however, did not come round. He had only made the statement to frighten Spriggins, and retaliate upon him for his joke about the tiger.
In the afternoon Robert, while out for a walk, fell in with one of the canvas men, a rough-looking fellow, named, or at least he called himself, Carden. Canvas men, as may be inferred from the name, are employed in putting up and taking down the circus tent, and are generally an inferior set of men, not differing much from the professional tramp. Robert, who, in spite of his asseverations, had considerable self-respect and proper pride, never mingled much with them, and for that reason was looked upon as "putting on airs." His friend, Charlie Davis, was much more popular with them.
"Hallo, Robert," said Carden, familiarly.
The canvas man was smoking a short, dirty clay pipe, and would have made an admirable model for a picture of a tramp.
"Hello, Carden!" said Robert, coolly.
"Walkin' for your health?" asked the canvas man, in the same disagreeably familiar tone.
"Partly."
Carden was walking by his side, and Robert did not like the familiarity which this would seem to imply.