human
We get on poorly, said William;
gpt
Has Mr. Moore turned you off?
human
He has turned us off; and I've sich an opinion of him now that I think if he'd tak me on again to-morrow I wouldn't work for him.
gpt
It is not like you to say so, William.
human
I know it isn't; but I'm getting different to mysel'; I feel I am changing. I wadn't heed if t' bairns and t' wife had enough to live on; but they're pinched--they're pined----
gpt
Well, my lad, and so are you; I see you are. These are grievous times; I see suffering wherever I turn. William, sit down. Grace, sit down. Let us talk it over.
human
Whisht!
gpt
Sad times, he said,
human
You've no money, William, and you've nothing you could sell to raise a small sum?
gpt
No. I've selled t' chest o' drawers, and t' clock, and t' bit of a mahogany stand, and t' wife's bonny tea-tray and set o' cheeney 'at she brought for a portion when we were wed.
human
And if somebody lent you a pound or two, could you make any good use of it? Could you get into a new way of doing something?
gpt
Ay, I'm sure he could, sir. He's a very contriving chap is our William. If he'd two or three pounds he could begin selling stuff.
human
Could you, William?
gpt
Please God, returned William deliberately,
human
I could buy groceries, and bits o' tapes, and thread, and what I thought would sell, and I could begin hawking at first.
gpt
And you know, sir, interposed Grace,
human
Well, I'll speak to one or two friends, and I think I can promise to let him have £5 in a day or two--as a loan, ye mind, not a gift. He must pay it back.
gpt
I understand, sir. I'm quite agreeable to that.
human
Meantime, there's a few shillings for you, Grace, just to keep the pot boiling till custom comes.--Now, bairns, stand up in a row and say your catechism, while your mother goes and buys some dinner; for you've not had much to-day, I'll be bound.--You begin, Ben. What is your name?
gpt
God bless you, sir!
human
God bless you, my friends!
gpt
Come, sir; your road and mine lie partly together. Had we not better bear each other company? We'll bid Moore good-morning, and leave him to the happy fancies he seems disposed to indulge.
human
And where is Sugden?
gpt
Ah, ha! cried Helstone.
human
I've not been quite idle while you were busy. I've been helping you a little; I flatter myself not injudiciously. I thought it better not to lose time; so, while you were parleying with that down-looking gentleman--Farren I think his name is--I opened this back window, shouted to Murgatroyd, who was in the stable, to bring Mr. Sykes's gig round; then I smuggled Sugden and brother Moses--wooden leg and all--through the aperture, and saw them mount the gig (always with our good friend Sykes's permission, of course). Sugden took the reins--he drives like Jehu--and in another quarter of an hour Barraclough will be safe in Stilbro' jail.
gpt
Very good; thank you, said Moore;