Or maybe he doesn't know a spring tide from a neap." "Oh, he's not such a fool as that," said Adam.
Rufus grunted once again, and relapsed into silence.
It was at this point that Mrs.Peck showed her portly person at the back door of The Ship.
"Why, Rufus," she said, "I thought you was in the front with Columbine." Rufus stood up with the deference that he never omitted to pay to Adam's wife.

"So I was," he said.

"I came along here after to talk to Adam." Mrs.Peck's round eyes gave him a searching look.

"Did you have your mulberry wine ?" she asked.
"Yes, Mother." "You were mighty quick about it," commented Mrs.Peck.
"Yes, he's in a hurry," said Adam, with one of his birdlike glances.
"Can't stop for anything, missus.

Wants to get back to his supper." "I never!" said Mrs.Peck.