human
The squire give me leave, Mester Dick, and Jacob and me buried him theer when he died. Jacob painted his name on it, rather rough, but the best he could, and we'd hev put his age on it, as well as the date, if we'd ha' known.
gpt
How old was he, do you think, Hicky?
human
Don't know, sir, but straange and old.
gpt
But why did you take so much interest in him? You never liked the donkey.
human
Nay, bud you did, lad, and that was enough for me.
gpt
Poor old Solomon! said Dick, smiling at the recollections the rough tablet evoked;
human
And so you and young Tom--I beg pardon, sir, said Hicky,
gpt
Mester Tallington--are going to help Mester Marston wi the big dreerning out in Cambridgeshire, eh?
human
Yes, Hicky, ours is a busy life now; but we're beginning to find people more sensible about such matters. Mr Marston was laughing over it the other day, and saying that all the romance had gone out of our profession now there was no chance of getting shot.
gpt
Weer he, now? said Hickathrift wonderingly.
human
Think of a man liking to be shot at!
gpt
Oh, he does not like to be shot at, Hicky! By the way, though, who was it shot Dave Gittan? Come, now, you know.
human
Owd Dave Gittan's been buried twenty year, Mester Dick, so let him rest.
gpt
Rest! Of course; but come--you do know?
human
Yes, Mester Dick, said the wheelwright stolidly.
gpt
I do know, but I sweered as I'd nivver tell, and I'll keep my word.
human
Ah, well, I will not press you, Hicky! It was a sad time.
gpt
Ay, my lads, a sad time when a man maks war like that again his brothers wi' fire and sword, leastwise wi' goon. That theer fen was like a battlefield in them days, while now it's as pleasant a place to look upon as a man need wish to see.
human
A lovely landscape, Hicky,
gpt
Ay, lad, and once all bog and watter, and hardly a tree from end to end.
human
A great change, Hicky, showing what man can do.
gpt
Ay, a great change, Mester Dick, but somehow theer are times when I get longing for the black watter and the wild birds, and all as it used to be.
human
Yes, Hicky, said Dick almost sadly as he saw in memory's mirror the days of his boyhood;
gpt
Ay, Mester, Dick, 'cause all's for the best.
human
Yes, Hicky, keep to that--all's for the best! Come, Tom; it's time we said good-bye to the old fen!