Of course 'e does a bit of grainin' an' writin'-- after a fashion--when there's any to do, and that ain't often, but on plain work, why, Sawkins is as good as 'im for most of it, any day!' 'Yes, I suppose 'e is,' replied Easton, feeling rather ashamed of himself for the part he was taking in this conversation.
Although he had for the moment forgotten the existence of Bert, Crass had instinctively lowered his voice, but the boy--who had left off working to warm his hands by putting them into his trousers pockets--managed, by listening attentively, to hear every word.
'You know there's plenty of people wouldn't give the firm no more work if they knowed about it,' Crass continued.

'Just fancy sendin' a b--r like that to work in a lady's or gentleman's 'ouse--a bloody Atheist!' 'Yes, it is a bit orf, when you look at it like that.' 'I know my missis--for one--wouldn't 'ave a feller like that in our place.

We 'ad a lodger once and she found out that 'e was a freethinker or something, and she cleared 'im out, bloody quick, I can tell yer!' 'Oh, by the way,' said Easton, glad of an opportunity to change the subject, 'you don't happen to know of anyone as wants a room, do you?
We've got one more than we want, so the wife thought that we might as well let it.' Crass thought for a moment.

'Can't say as I do,' he answered, doubtfully.

'Slyme was talking last week about leaving the place 'e's lodging at, but I don't know whether 'e's got another place to go to.
You might ask him.