34 ALONGSHORE » 



respectfulness. 'Boatman, can you take us out 

 for a sail? Is there wind enough? Eh?' 



'Well, sir, 'tisn't much of a time, sir.' 



'Why not?' 



'I wouldn't go to-day If I was you, sir.' 



'But why?' 



"Cause 'tisn't hardly fit, sir.' 



'Why Isn't It fit?' 



'You'll get wet, sir.' 



The ladles look down their clothes. The 

 gentleman assumes the air of an army officer or 

 a salted manner. 'Oh, we don't mind wet! 

 Besides, the sea is calm — almost too calm. I like 

 it a bit rough.' 



'Iss, sir, so 'tis calm In here; but 'tisn't fit, I 

 do assure you.' 



'Why Isn't It fit? Don't you want a job, my 

 man? Rather lounge about here? Eh? Why 

 isn't It p, as you call It?' 



'Why, bother the man!' the less respectful 

 fisherman bursts out. 'An't he told 'ee for why? 

 Why, 'cause 'tisn't fit! That's for why! How 

 many more times do 'ee want telling the reason 

 why? 'Cause 'tisn't jit!' 



'Better to go along t'other end o' the beach, 

 sir,' says the first fisherman. 'Per'aps they'll 



