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 father a-comin' 'ome from—from the country?"

Dicky confirmed the news.

"Well I am glad t' 'ear that now." Mr. Weech grinned exceedingly, though there was something lacking in his delight. "But there, wot 'll you 'ave, Mr. Perrott! Say anythink in the 'ole shop, and welcome! It's sich an 'appy occasion, Mr. Perrott, I couldn't think o' chargin' you a 'a'penny. 'Ave a rasher, now, do. There's one on at this very moment. Sairer! ain't that rasher done yut?"

Dicky did not understand this liberality, but he had long since adopted the policy of taking all he could get. So he sat at a table, and Mr. Weech sat opposite.

"Jist like ole times, ain't it?" said Mr. Weech. "An' that reminds me I owe you a shillin'. It's that pair o' noo boots you chucked over the back fence a fortnight ago. Wen I come to look at 'em, they was better 'n wot I thought, an' so I