human
Theer, cried Dave, looking up;
gpt
Why, they're gudgeons, Dave!
human
Ay, lad, gudgeons.
gpt
Where did you get them? asked Tom.
human
There are no gudgeons in the fen waters.
gpt
Not as I iver see, said Dave with his quiet laugh.
human
I went right across to Ealand, and then walked four mile with my net and that boocket to Brader's Mill on little Norley stream and ketched 'em theer, and carried 'em all the way back to the boat--four mile. For, I says, I should like they boys to ketch a big pike or two, and gudgeons is best baits I know.
gpt
Better than roach and rudd, Dave?
human
Ay, or perch, or tench, or anything. Carp's a good bait; but you can't always ketch carps.
gpt
You are a good chap, Dave!
human
Ay, that I am, lads. I say, though, talk 'bout ketching; hev the squire and Farmer Tallington ketched the chap as sat fire to Grimsey stables?
gpt
Nobody set fire to Grimsey stables, said Tom.
human
It was to the stacks.
gpt
Nay, lad, I knows better than that, cried Dave, shaking his head.
human
Why, didn't I see with my own eyes as roof weer all bont off the top o' stable, and doors gone.
gpt
Yes; but the stable caught fire from the stacks,
human
Yah! how could it? Why, it's reight the other side o' the house.
gpt
Well, couldn't the sparks and flames of fire float over and set light to the thatch?
human
Set fire to the thack! said Dave.
gpt
Ah, well, I warn't theer! But hev they ketched him?
human
No, and not likely to. There, never mind Tallington's stacks; let's try for the pike.
gpt
Ay, lads, we will,