"Becos--" began Jim Mason and stopped to rub his nose.

"Yo' 'old yo' noise, Jim," recommended Rob Saunderson.

"Becos--" it was Tammas this time who paused.

"Git on wi' it, ye stammerin' stirk!" cried M'Adam. "Why?"

"Becos--Owd Bob'll not rin."

Tammas sat back in his chair.

"What!" screamed the little man, thrusting forward.

"What's that!" yelled Long Kirby, leaping to his feet.

"Mon, say it agin!" shouted Rob.

"What's owd addled egg tellin'?" cried Liz Burton.

"Dang his 'ead for him!" shouts Tupper. "Fill his eye!" says Ned
Hoppin.

They jostled round the old man's chair:

M'Adam in front; Jem Burton and Long Kirby leaning over his
shoulder; Liz behind her father; Saunderson and Tupper tackling
him on either side; while the rest peered and elbowed in the rear.

The announcement had fallen like a thunderbolt among them.