The old gentleman nodded; and two ragged boys who had been marshalled to the spot under the direction of the infant Lambert, forthwith commenced climbing up two of the trees.

'What are these lads for ?' inquired Mr.Pickwick abruptly.

He was rather alarmed; for he was not quite certain but that the distress of the agricultural interest, about which he had often heard a great deal, might have compelled the small boys attached to the soil to earn a precarious and hazardous subsistence by making marks of themselves for inexperienced sportsmen.
'Only to start the game,' replied Mr.Wardle, laughing.
'To what ?' inquired Mr.Pickwick.
'Why, in plain English, to frighten the rooks.' 'Oh, is that all ?' 'You are satisfied ?' 'Quite.' 'Very well.

Shall I begin ?' 'If you please,' said Mr.Winkle, glad of any respite.
'Stand aside, then.

Now for it.' The boy shouted, and shook a branch with a nest on it.