With the look of one just awakened, he followed Riderhood into the lock-house, where the latter produced from a cupboard some cold salt beef and half a loaf, some gin in a bottle, and some water in a jug. The last he brought in, cool and dripping, from the river.

“There, t’otherest,” said Riderhood, stooping over him to put it on the table. “You’d better take a bite and a sup, afore you takes your snooze.” The draggling ends of the red neckerchief caught the schoolmaster’s eyes. Riderhood saw him look at it.

“Oh!” thought that worthy. “You’re a-taking notice, are you? Come! You shall have a good squint at it then.” With which reflection he sat down on the other side of the table, threw open his vest, and made a pretence of re-tying the neckerchief with much deliberation.