Wandering Heath by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
page 120 of 194 (61%)
page 120 of 194 (61%)
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"It looks to me," said the cock, "as if your wife was gettin' married again." Sure enough, while the bells rang, Joby saw the door of his own house open, and his own wife come stepping towards the church, leaning on a man's arm. And who should that man be but Tommy Warne? "And to think I've lived fifteen years with that woman, and never lifted my hand to her!" Said the bird, "The wedding is fixed for eleven o'clock, and 'tis on the stroke now. If I was you, Joby, I'd climb down and put back the church clock." "And so I would, if I knew how to get to it." "You've but to slide down my leg to the parapet: and from the parapet you can jump right on to the string-course under the clock." Joby slid down the bird's leg, and jumped on to the ledge. He had never before noticed a clock in Wendron Church tower; but there one was, staring him in the face. "Now," cried his friend, "catch hold of the minute-hand and turn!" Joby did so--"Widdershins!" screamed the bird: "faster! faster!" Joby whizzed back the minute-hand with all his might. "Aie, ul--ul--oo! Lemme go! 'Tis my arm you're pullin' off!" |
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