I'm not aweer on't, but I
takes thy word, and all I want to know's just this, did Meg open the gate
to thee?'
I made him no answer, and to my great relief I saw Milly striding and
skipping across the unequal stepping-stones.
'Hallo, Pegtop! what are you after now?' she cried, as she drew near.
'This man has been extremely impertinent. You know him, Milly?' I said.
'Why that's Pegtop Dickon. Dirty old Hawkes that never was washed. I tell
you, lad, ye'll see what the Governor thinks o't--a-ha! He'll talk to you.'
'I done or said nout--not but I _should_, and there's the fack--she can't
deny't; she hadn't a hard word from I; and I don't care the top o' that
thistle what no one says--not I. But I tell thee, Milly, I stopped _some_
o' thy pranks, and I'll stop more. Ye'll be shying no more stones at the
cattle.'
'Tell your tales, and welcome, cried Milly. 'I wish I was here when you
jawed cousin. If Winny was here she'd catch you by the timber toe and put
you on your back.'
'Ay, she'll be a good un yet if she takes arter thee,' retorted the old man
with a fierce sneer.
'Drop it, and get away wi' ye,' cried she, 'or maybe I'd call Winny to
smash your timber leg for you.
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