I'll put on my coat though, for the mist'll be thick to-night." Hickathrift took his coat from behind the door, led the way to the place where his punt was floating, fastened to an old willow-stump; and as soon as his visitors were aboard he began to unfasten the rope.
"Like to tak' a goon, sir, or a fishing-pole ?" "No: I think we'll be content with what we can see to-night." Hickathrift nodded, and Dick thought the engineer very stupid, for a gun had a peculiar fascination for him; but he said nothing, only seated himself, and trailed his hand in the dark water as the lusty wheelwright sent the punt surging along.
"Why, Hickathrift," cried Mr Marston, "I thought our friend Dave a wonder at managing a punt; but you beat him.

What muscles you have!" "Muscles, mester?
Ay, they be tidy; but I'm nowt to Dave.

I can shove stronger, but he'd ding [beat] me at it.

He's cunning like.

Always at it, you see.