“Twenty mile and odd⁠—call it five-and-twenty mile and odd, if you like⁠—up stream,” was the sullen reply.

“How is it called?”

“Plashwater Weir Mill Lock.”

“Suppose I was to offer you five shillings; what then?”

“Why, then, I’d take it,” said Mr. Riderhood.

The schoolmaster put his hand in his pocket, and produced two half-crowns, and placed them in Mr. Riderhood’s palm: who stopped at a convenient doorstep to ring them both, before acknowledging their receipt.

“There’s one thing about you, t’otherest Governor,” said Riderhood, faring on again, “as looks well and goes fur. You’re a ready money man. Now;” when he had carefully pocketed the coins on that side of himself which was furthest from his new friend; “what’s this for?”