“Begging your pardon, learned governor, and by your leave,” said Riderhood, with a laugh, “how could I suppose he’s here, when there’s nobody here but you, and me, and these young lambs wot you’re a learning on? But he is most excellent company, that man, and I want him to come and see me at my lock, up the river.”

“I’ll tell him so.”

“D’ye think he’ll come?” asked Riderhood.

“I am sure he will.”

“Having got your word for him,” said Riderhood, “I shall count upon him. P’raps you’d so fur obleege me, learned governor, as tell him that if he don’t come precious soon, I’ll look him up.”

“He shall know it.”