Then the heron changed its direction, and nothing but the great, grey beating pinions of the bird were visible, the long legs outstretched like a tail, the bent back neck, and projecting beak being merged in the body as it flew straight away.
Hickathrift worked hard at the pole, and soon after rounding one great bed of reeds they came in sight of the rough gravelly patch with a somewhat rounded outline, which formed the Warren, and upon which was the hut inhabited by John o' the Warren, out of whose name "o'-the" was generally dropped.
The moment they came in sight there was a loud burst of barking, and Snig, John Warren's little rabbit-dog, came tearing down to the shore, with the effect of rendering visible scores of rabbits, until then unseen; for the dog's barking sent them scurrying off to their holes, each displaying its clear, white, downy tuft of a tail, which showed clearly in the evening light.
The dog's bark was at first an angry challenge, but as he came nearer his tone changed to a whine of welcome; and as soon as he reached the water's edge he began to perform a series of the most absurd antics, springing round, dancing upon his hind-legs, and leaping up at each in turn, as the visitors to the sandy island landed, and began to walk up to the sick man's hut.
There were no rabbits visible now, but the ground was honey-combed with their holes, many of which were quite close to the home of their tyrant master, who lived as a sort of king among them, and slew as many as he thought fit.
John Warren's home was not an attractive one, being merely a hut built up of bricks of peat cut from the fen, furnished with a small window, a narrow door, and thickly thatched with reeds.
He heard them coming, and, as they approached, came and stood at the door, looking yellow, hollow of cheek, and shivering visibly.
"Here, John Warren, we've brought you a basket!" cried Dick.

"How are you?
I say, don't you want the doctor ?" "Yah! what should I do with a doctor ?" growled the man, scowling at all in turn.
"To do you good," said Dick, laughing good-humouredly.
"He couldn't tell me nothing I dunno.

I've got the ager." "Well, aren't you going to ask us in ?" "Nay, lad.

What do you want ?" "That basket," said Dick briskly.

"Here, how is Dave ?" "Badly! Got the ager!" "But is he no better ?" "Don't I tell you he's got the ager!" growled the man; and without more ado he took the basket from the extended hand, opened the lid, and turned it upside down, so that its contents rolled upon the sand, and displayed the kind-heartedness of Mrs Winthorpe.
Dick glanced at Marston and laughed.
"Theer's your basket," growled John Warren.