human
When may we come over to the 'coy, Dave?
gpt
When you like, lads. Soon as the watter's down low enough for us to work it.
human
It's sinking fast, Dave, said Tom.
gpt
It's all gone from our garden now, and the rooms are getting dry.
human
Ay, but my pipes are covered still, and it'll be a good month, my lads, 'fore we can do any good. But I might ha' took you both out in the punt for a bit o' shooting if you hadn't played that game on me, and spoiled my horn and wasted all my powder.
gpt
Ah, it was too bad, Dave; but there are a couple of fine large horns at home I've saved for you, and we've bought you a pound of powder.
human
Nay, I sha'n't believe it till I see 'em, said Dave.
gpt
I did mean to hev asked you lads to come netting, but I can't ask them as plays tricks.
human
Netting! What, the ruffs?
gpt
Ay, I weer thinking about heving a try for 'em. But I shall give it up.
human
Dave, you promised me a year ago that you'd take us with you some time, and you never have,
gpt
Nay, did I though?
human
Yes; didn't he, Tom?
gpt
Nay, yow needn't ask him; he'll be sewer to say yes,
human
Look here, cried Dick,
gpt
I'm not going to argue with you, Dave. Are you going to take us?
human
Some day, lad, when the watter's down, if my live birds aren't all drownded and my stales [stuffed decoys] spoiled.
gpt
Oh, they won't be! cried Dick.
human
When will you go?
gpt
When the watter's down, my lad.
human
It's low enough now. There are plenty of places where you can spread your nets.
gpt
Ay, but plenty of places don't suit me, my lad. You wait a bit and we'll see. Get John Warren to tek you ferreting.
human
Yes, that will do, cried Tom.
gpt
When are you going, John?
human
Rabbuds don't want no killing off. Plenty on 'em drownded.
gpt
Why, cried Dick,
human
Did I, Mester Dick? Ah, yow mustn't tek no notice o' what I say.
gpt
But we shall take notice of what you say, cried Tom.
human
I don't believe he has any ferrets left.
gpt
Ay, bud I hev. Theer I'll tek you, lads. Why don't thou tek 'em wi' you, Dave, man? Let un see the netting.
human
Well, you wait a week, lads, and then I'll fetch you.
gpt
To see the netting?
human
Ay. In another week there'll be a deal more dry land, and the ruffs and reeves'll be ower in flocks, I dessay. If they aren't, we'll try for something else.
gpt
Hooray!