"Yes, I am rather thin in the vamp," he said, freely, seeing that
the eyes of the shepherd's wife fell upon his boots, "and I am not
well fitted, either. I have had some rough times lately, and have
been forced to pick up what I can get in the way of wearing; but
I must find a suit better fit for working-days when I reach home."
"One of hereabouts?" she inquired.
"Not quite that--farther up the country."
"I thought so. And so am I; and by your tongue you come from my
neighbourhood."
"But you would hardly have heard of me," he said, quickly. "My time
would be long before yours, ma'am, you see."
This testimony to the youthfulness of his hostess had the effect
of stopping her cross-examination.
"There is only one thing more wanted to make me happy," continued
the new-comer; "and that is a little 'baccy, which I am sorry to
say I am out of."
"I'll fill your pipe," said the shepherd.
"I must ask you to lend me a pipe likewise."
"A smoker, and no pipe about ye?"
"I have dropped it somewhere on the road."
The shepherd filled and handed him a new clay pipe, saying as
he did so, "Hand me your 'baccy-box; I'll fill that too, now I am
about it."
The man went through the movement of searching his pockets.
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