"Hey, little boys, then; hey, little boys: back yow go!" This was to a couple of frogs, which had been in the water the bucket contained, but had climbed up the side, to try and get through the meshes of the net, but only to force their heads through and hold on with their claws.
Dave poked one of the frogs with his finger, but the little reptile swelled itself out, and took hold more tightly of the net.
"Here, let go, will you!" cried Dick, taking the frog between his fingers gently enough; but the little creature clung more tightly, and began to squeal loudly, till it was dislodged and dropped into the pail, the other being shaken free, and falling with a splash beside his fellow, when there was a tremendous commotion in the pail; for, beside a couple more frogs, there were about a dozen small fishes scurrying about in the water.
"Theer," cried Dave, looking up; "what do you say to them for bait, eh ?" "Why, they're gudgeons, Dave!" cried Dick.
"Ay, lad, gudgeons." "Where did you get them ?" asked Tom.

"There are no gudgeons in the fen waters." "Not as I iver see," said Dave with his quiet laugh.

"I went right across to Ealand, and then walked four mile with my net and that boocket to Brader's Mill on little Norley stream and ketched 'em theer, and carried 'em all the way back to the boat--four mile.

For, I says, I should like they boys to ketch a big pike or two, and gudgeons is best baits I know." "Better than roach and rudd, Dave ?" "Ay, or perch, or tench, or anything.

Carp's a good bait; but you can't always ketch carps." "You are a good chap, Dave!" cried Tom.
"Ay, that I am, lads.