"Well, I never in all my life! When there ain't a house 'cepting my own for leagues and leagues, and he says he's playing! What may you be now ?" he shouted again.
"A little boy," screamed Martin.
"I knowed that afore I axed," said the other.

Then he slapped his legs and held up his hands with astonishment, and at last began to chuckle.

"Will you come home along o' me ?" he shouted.
"Will you give me something to eat ?" asked Martin in return.
"Haw, haw, haw," guffawed the old fellow.

It was a tremendous laugh, so loud and hollow, it astonished and almost frightened Martin to hear it.

"Well I never!" he said.