He was a good deal of a contrast to his partner--a slightly built, wiry man, nervous and quick of movement; although he was Mallalieu's junior he looked older, and the thin hair at his temples was already whitening.
Mallalieu suggested solidity and almost bovine sleekness; in Cotherstone, activity of speech and gesture was marked well-nigh to an appearance of habitual anxiety.

He stepped about the cart with the quick action of an inquisitive bird or animal examining something which it has never seen before.
"Yes, yes, yes!" he answered.

"Yes, that's a good idea.

But if it's to be patented, you know, we ought to see to it at once, before these carts go into use." "Why, there's nobody in Highmarket like to rob us," observed Mallalieu, good-humouredly.

"You might consider about getting--what do they call it ?--provisional protection ?--for it." "I'll look it up," responded Cotherstone.