human
Yes, said Farmer Tallington ruefully,
gpt
Yes; might have been worse,
human
Ay, neighbour, I began to think at one time, said Farmer Tallington,
gpt
Better! oh yes, I am not hurt!
human
I say, Mr Tallington, wasn't it strange that you didn't know of the fire till I came?
gpt
I suppose we were all too soundly asleep, my lad. Lucky you saw it, or we might have been burned to death.
human
But how did the place catch fire?
gpt
Ah! said Farmer Tallington,
human
No, father, I wasn't near the stacks yesterday.
gpt
Had you been round there at all?
human
No, not for a day or two, neighbour. It's a puzzler.
gpt
It is very strange! said the squire thoughtfully; and he and Farmer Tallington looked hard at each other.
human
You have had no quarrel with your men?
gpt
Quarrel! No. Got as good labourers as a man could wish for. So have you.
human
Yes, I have, said the squire;
gpt
No, replied the farmer thoughtfully.
human
No! Say, neighbour--no, they wouldn't do that.
gpt
What do you mean?
human
Oh! nothing. 'Tisn't fair to think such things.
gpt
Never mind! Speak out, man, speak out!
human
Well, I was wondering whether some one had done this, just as a hint that we were giving offence by joining in the drain business.
gpt
No, no! cried the squire indignantly.
human
People may grumble and be dissatisfied; but, thank Heaven, we haven't any one in these parts bad enough to do such a thing as that, eh, Hickathrift?
gpt
I dunno 'bout bad enew, said the big wheelwright;
human
No, no! said the squire.
gpt
I will not think such a thing of any neighbour for twenty miles round. Now, Mr Tallington, come over to my place and have a comfortable meal; Mrs Tallington will come too.
human
Nay, we'll stop and try to put things right.
gpt
Shall I lend you a couple of men?
human
Nay, we'll wuck it oot oursens, and thank you all hearty for what you've done. If your farm gets alight, neighbour, we'll come over as you have to us.
gpt
May the demand never arise!