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says, 'mark my words, 'e'll never last the month out--no'"

"How did it happen, Ancient?"

"Got tur'ble drunk, 'e did, over to Cranbrook--throwed Mr

Scrope, the Beadle, over the churchyard wall--knocked down Jereer, the Watchman, an' then--went to sleep While 'e were

asleep they s an' arhty secure, in the vestry 'Ows'ever, when 'e

woke up 'e broke the door open, an' walked out, an' nobody tried

to stop 'im--not a soul, Peter"

"And as all this?"

"Why, that's the very p'int," chuckled the Ancient, "that's the

wonnerful part of it, Peter It all 'appened on Sat'day night,

day afore yesterday as ever was--the very same day as I says to

Simon, 'mark my words, 'e won't last the month out'"

"And where is he now?"

"Nobody knows, but theer's them as says they see 'im makin' for

Sefton Woods" Hereupon, breakfast done, I rose, and took e; there is e bean't theer to 'elp ye"

"Yet the work reo wi' ye, Peter" So we

presently set out together