194 CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FAEM. 



words should be like his hedges, I always think 

 plain and short and smooth-like, and not too many 

 of 'em ! and then they may help to ' fill the bushel ' 

 after all, p'rhaps. But about the plow I beg your 

 pardon you was a saying something " 



" No, no ! go on, Greening ! I like to hear you" 



"Well, I've done, i' faith! clean out, like. I'm 

 your listener for half an hour more, if you can 

 spare it." 



" Can you promise that ? I 've had many a useful 

 hint from you could you sit and listen to my 

 nonsense now, just for half an hour, straight on to 

 the end no snoring allowed, mind ! and what if 

 I were to read it, instead of speaking? Now don't 

 be frightened ! it isn't a book only a few sheets of 

 paper poked away in a drawer somewhere, and 

 scribbled over: fancy it a long letter from your 

 ever affectionate brother beyond the sea, or a notice 

 from your landlord that he's going to lower your 

 rent, and giving all his reasons for it. Don't you 

 think you could keep your eyes open?" 



"Well, I think I could. But I hope it's in 

 c words o' two syllables : ' that 's all I bargain for ; 

 and I 'm your man, now. No time like the present 

 time ! " 



A few short steps homeward ; a long rummaging 



