3rd Neighbour. Next Thursday in the ten-acre; the crop is heavy and the weather looks quite settled; so we shall have a jolly time of it.
J. F. Well, I’m glad I know in good time; for I never like to miss seeing the first row of reapers going into the corn. Is there anything else?
W. J. Well, there’s one troublesome business, chairman (looks
at C. N., who trembles and moans). There’s that dog we caught, that thief, that useless beast. What is to be done with him?
C. N. (Aside, That’s me! that’s me! To think that a justice should be spoken of in such language! What am I to do? What am I to do?)
2nd Neighbour. Well, chairman, I think we must shoot him. Once a thief always a thief, you see, with that kind of brute. I’m sorry, because he has been so badly brought up; and though he is an ugly dog, he is big and burly; but I must say that I think it must be done, and as soon as possible. He’ll be after the girls if we don’t do it at once!
C. N. (Aside: What! have they got hold of that story, then?)
J. F. Well, neighbours, what’s to be said? anybody against it? Is this unpleasant business agreed to?
All. Agreed, agreed.
J. F. Well, then, let the dog be shot. Bill, it’s your turn for an ugly job this time: you must do it.