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enough. What age are ye, for a wager?--twelve?"
"
Nay, I am sixteen," said Matcham.
"Y' are poorly grown to height, then," answered Dick. "But take my hand.
We shall go softly, never fear. I owe you a life; I am a good repayer,
Jack, of good or evil."
They began to go forward up the slope.
"
We must hit the road, early or late," continued Dick; "and then for a
fresh start. By the mass! but y' 'ave a rickety hand, Jack. If I had a
hand like that, I would think shame. I tell you," he went on, with a
sudden chuckle, "I swear by the mass I believe Hugh Ferryman took you for
a maid."
"
"
Nay, never!" cried the other, colouring high.
A' did, though, for a wager!" Dick exclaimed. "Small blame to him. Ye
look liker maid than man; and I tell you more--y' are a strange-looking
rogue for a boy; but for a hussy, Jack, ye would be right fair--ye would.
Ye would be well favoured for a wench."
"
"
Well," said Matcham, "ye know right well that I am none."
Nay, I know that; I do but jest," said Dick. "Ye'll be a man before
your mother, Jack. What cheer, my bully! Ye shall strike shrewd
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