The same rabbits at present would be worth fifteen or eighteen pence.

Every sixpence was carefully saved, but it was clear that a long time must elapse before the goal was attained.
The blacksmith started the idea of putting up a 'turnpike'-- _i.e._ a wire--but professed ignorance as to the method of setting it.

That was a piece of his cunning--that he might escape responsibility.
The shepherd, too, when obliquely questioned, shook his head, pursed his lips, threw his pitching-bar over his shoulder, and marched off with a mysterious hint that our friend Ikey would some day put his 'vut in it.' It did not surprise us that the shepherd should turn his back on anything of the kind; for he was a leading man among the 'Ranters,' and frequently exhorted them in his cottage.
The carter's lad was about at the time, and for the moment we thought of applying to him.

He was standing on the threshold of the stable, under the horseshoes and weasles' feet nailed up to keep the witches away, teasing a bat that he had found under the tiles.

But suddenly the dusky thing bit him sharply, and he uttered an oath; while the creature, released, flew aimlessly into the elms.