The next he was down, raking in the gutter again.
The woman looked angry, and took a step forward; but the sound of a sharp imperative little bell behind her, made her turn at once, and re-enter the shop from which she had just issued, following a man whose pushing the door wider had set the bell ringing.

Above the door was a small board, nearly square, upon which was painted in lead-colour on a black ground the words, "Licensed to sell beer, spirits, and tobacco to be drunk on the premises." There was no other sign.

"Them 'at likes my whusky 'ill no aye be speerin' my name," said Mistress Croale.

As the day went on she would have more and more customers, and in the evening on to midnight, her parlour would be well filled.

Then she would be always at hand, and the spring of the bell would be turned aside from the impact of the opening door.