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"Well, an' w'at be doin' in my hay?"

"I have been asleep," said I

"Well, an' what business 'ave ye got a-sleepin' an' a-snorin' in

my hay?"

"I was tired," said I, "and 'Nature her custom holds, let shame

say what it will,' still--I do not think I snored"

"'Ow do I know that--or you, for that lossy whiskers, "hows'ever, if you be quite

awake, come on down out o' my hay" As he said this he eyed me

with rather a truculent air, likewise he clenched his fist

Thinking it wisest to appear unconscious of this, I nodded affably,

and letting

beside him

"Supposin' I was to thump 'ee on the nose?" he inquired

"What for?"

"For makin' so free wi' my hay"

"Why then," said I, "I should earnestly endeavor to thump you on

yours"

The far surprise