A sharp quick yelp came from the boat, followed by a bark, and, plainly seen in the fire-light, a couple of dogs placed their paws on the edge of the little vessel, raised their heads to the full stretch of their necks, and with cocked-up ears seemed to ask, "What's to be done with us ?" "Hi! Chip, Chip! Snig, Snig! Come, boys," shouted Dick, patting his leg; and the dogs barked loudly, but did not stir.
"Come on, you cowards!" cried Dick.

"You won't get any wetter than I did." "Here!" said Dave; and Chip leaped over and swam ashore, gave himself a shake, and then performed a joy dance about Dick's legs.
This time there was a dismal howl from the punt, where the second dog was waiting for permission to land.
"Come on!" said the second man, a frowning, thoughtful-looking fellow of about fifty, the lower part of whose face was hidden by a thick beard--a great rarity a hundred years ago--and the other dog leaped into the water with a tremendous splash, swam ashore, rushed at Chip, and there was a general worry, half angry, half playful, for a few moments before the pair settled down close to the fire, as if enjoying its warmth.
"This is a terrible misfortune, Dave," said the squire.
"Ay; the water's out, mester," said the man in a low husky way.
"How did you escape ?" "Escape ?" said Dave, taking off his fox-skin cap and rubbing his head.
"Seed the watter coming, and poonted ower to the Warren," said the second man, thrusting something in his mouth which he took out of a brass box, and then handing the latter to Dave, who helped himself to a piece of dark-brown clayey-looking stuff which seemed like a thick paste made of brown flour and treacle.
"I wish you men would break yourselves of this habit," said the squire.
"You'll be worse for it some day." "Keeps out the cold and ager, mester," said the second man, thrusting the box back in his pocket.
"Then you've been waiting at the Warren ?" "Ay, mester.

Me an' him waited till we see the fire, and thowt the house hed kitched, and then we come." "It was very good of you, my lads," said the squire warmly.

"There, get in, and the mistress will give you some bread and cheese and ale." "Arn't hungry," growled the second man.

"Can'st ta yeat, Dave, man ?" "Ah!" growled Dave, and he slouched round, looking at the ground, and turned to go.