ON FOWLERS AND WILD-FOWLING. 159 



time, into our village ; and she carried a few things 

 from our place to other parts. The things were not 

 bulky; but whatever was required a fender, a table, 

 groceries, or liquids the Hoy brought them. 



At times Josher would be intrusted with special 

 commissions, about which the lively young women 

 who gave them were vastly concerned. Now the 

 Hoy had stated times for leaving port and for 

 entering it ; but the truth was, you did well not to 

 expect her till you saw her. To those damsels who 

 were anxious about the Hoy's prolonged absence, 

 Josher would hint vaguely at stormy weather, and, 

 with a long face, would say he hoped she was safe. 

 Taking into consideration that her avowed occupa- 

 tion was to navigate a tidal river, only up to London 

 and back again, he as part-owner had not much to 

 fear. This barge made long reaches from shore 

 to shore. 



Josher broke and sold sporting dogs pointers, 

 setters, and water-spaniels : he always had the best 

 blood that could be got. To those who were in the 

 secret, it was great fun to get near him, if you could 

 do so without being seen, when Josher was training 

 his dogs in the ma'shes. If a thick hedge were 



