Page:Georgie by Dorothea Deakin, 1906.djvu/191

The Scarlet Runner machines for a fortune," said he. "I'd be afraid of it blowing up and brasting me an' it. An' I wouldn't cross Mr. George for a month's wage. He's a way with 'is fists when he's crossed that makes you think twice afore you cross 'im. I can't tell where 'is horrible hengine's got to. The devil come through the winder and flew away with 'is own, I shouldn't wonder."

She looked into the other out-buildings hopelessly and at the key in William's hand.

"Where do you keep the key?" she asked.

William looked injured.

"In my trousie's pocket," said he; "and there it's bin since last night."

"Did you go anywhere last night after we went in?"

William drew himself up.

"Not a blessed drop," said he, "since Saturday."

She turned miserably to Georgie, who laughed unpleasantly. 175