human
Now Dave, lad, haul alongside, and make your rope fast to the ring-bolt,
gpt
Is it all safe?
human
Ay, mester, so long as that bough don't part; but I've got my owd ear full o' watter, and it's a-roonning down my neck. But say, mester, it's a rum un.
gpt
What is, my lad?
human
Why, it wur ony yesday I wur saying to my Jacob as we'd get the poont mended, and come out here with the handbills and brattle [lop] all the willows anywhere nigh, so as to hev a lot to throost down about our plaace to grow. Now, if we'd done that there'd ha' been no branch to lay hold on here, and we might ha' gone on to Spalding afore we'd stopped. Eh, but howding on theer made me keb.
gpt
Are you hurt, Dick?
human
N-no, I don't think I'm hurt, father, replied Dick, hesitatingly;
gpt
Well, speak, my lad; don't keep anything back.
human
Oh, no, I won't keep anything back, father! said Dick, laughing;
gpt
Mak' you grow, Mester Dick, said Hickathrift,
human
I hope not, said the squire, laughing.
gpt
Draw the line this side of the six feet, Dick. There: the stiffness will soon pass off.