Page:Wessex poems and other verses (IA wessexpoemsother00hard).pdf/208

 Well knowing that there'd be the divel to pay If 'twere found that, instead o' the elements' prey, She was living in lodgings at Tim's.

“Where's the tranter?" said men and boys: "where can er be?" “Where's the tranter?" said Barbree alone. "Where on e'th is the tranter!" said everybod-y: They sifted the dust of his perished roof-tree, And all they could find was a bone.

Then the uncle cried, "Lord, pray have mercy on me!" And in terror began to repent. But before 'twas complete, and till sure she was free, Barbree drew up her loft-ladder, tight turned her key— Tim bringing up breakfast and dinner and tea— Till the news of her hiding got vent.