An what could ey say to it aw, except--" "Except what, mother ?" interrupted Jem.
"Except that she wur my child just os much os Jennet an thee!" "Humph!" exclaimed Jem.
"Humph!" echoed the voice that had previously spoken.
Jem looked at his mother, and took a long pull at the ale-jug.
"Any more messages to Malkin Tower ?" he asked, getting up.
"Neaw--mother will onderstond," replied Elizabeth.

"Bid her be on her guard, fo' the enemy is abroad." "Meanin' Potts ?" said Jem.
"Meaning Potts," answered the voice.
"There are strange echoes here," said Jem, looking round suspiciously.
At this moment, Tib came from under a piece of furniture, where he had apparently been lying, and rubbed himself familiarly against his legs.
"Ey needna be afeerd o' owt happenin to ye, mother," said Jem, patting the cat's back.

"Tib win tay care on yo." "Eigh, eigh," replied Elizabeth, bending down to pat him, "he's a trusty cat." But the ill-tempered animal would not be propitiated, but erected his back, and menaced her with his claws.
"Yo han offended him, mother," said Jem.

"One word efore ey start.

Are ye quite sure Potts didna owerhear your conversation wi' Mistress Nutter ?" "Why d'ye ask, Jem ?" she replied.
"Fro' summat the knave threw out to Squoire Nicholas just now," rejoined Jem.