"No; but I am wondrous poor. Look you, friend, I am so needy that for a groat I would climb this towering larch tree, and swing among the branches at the top."
"Do it," said I, by way of proving him.
Instantly he sprang upon the tree, and went up it like a monkey. And when he reached the top he leapt from branch to branch, whistling and swinging, till I felt certain he must miss his hold and come tumbling down.
"Bravo! Well done!" I cried. "Come down for your reward."
Down he came at a speed which fairly took my breath away, and then stood, cap in hand, before me, as calm as if he had never left his tussock.
Bringing forth a handful of silver pieces (I never lacked for money) I picked a shilling out and gave it to him.
"This is too much," quoth he, with shaking head; "and were not my necessity so great I would not take it."
"Nay, 'tis well earned," I answered; "but may I ask a favour? The trick you showed me with the little balls--wilt do that again?"
"With all my heart," says he; and forthwith did it; and many others, too, still more astonishing.
"More work, more pay," said I, when he had finished. "Here is another shilling. And, look you, if you care to call at our house, The Havering--'tis a lonesome place a mile or so from Lyme, and well-beknown to all--if you choose to call, I say, you may be certain of a welcome. My father, I'll wager, would rejoice to see those tricks of yours. And that reminds me; you have my name, friend--prithee, what is yours?"