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Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir, 1863-1944

"The Astonishing History of Troy Town"


"Ahoy, Caleb!" shouted Paul in answer; "anything wrong?"
"Have 'ee seen maaster?"
"Iss, an' got un safe an' sound."
Caleb peered through the gloom and descried Mr. Fogo.
Whatever relief this may have been to his feelings, it called forth
no expression beyond a grunt. He turned his boat and pulled back in
time to help his master ashore. Paul was dismissed with some words
of thanks which he declared unnecessary. He would row back in Mr.
Fogo's boat, he said, if he might be allowed, and would bring her
down in the early morning. With this and a hearty "Good-night" he
left the pair to walk up to the house together.
Caleb was unusually silent during supper, and when his master grew
cheery and related the adventures of the day, offered no comment
beyond a series of mysterious sounds expressing mental discontent
rather than sympathy. Finally, when Mr. Fogo had finished he looked
up and began abruptly--
"Ef you plaise, sir, I wants to gie warnin'."
"Give warning?"
"Iss, sir; notiss to go." And Caleb stared fiercely at his master.
"But, my dear Caleb, you surely don't mean--?"
"I do, tho'."
"Are you dissatisfied with the place or the wages?"
"That's et, sir--the wages."
"If they are too low--"
"They bain't; they be a darned sight too high.


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