While Mr. Jope studied these and the tranquil river flowing, all grey
and twilit, at his feet, Mr. Adams had joined him and had also taken
bearings.
"With a check-rope," said Mr. Adams, "--and I got one in the barrer--
we can lower it down here easy."
He pointed to the steps.
"Hey?" said Mr. Jope. "Yes, the cask--to be sure."
"Wot else?" said Mr. Adams. "An' I reckon we'd best get to work, if
we're to get it housed afore dark."
They did so: but by the time they had the cask bestowed and trigged
up, and had spiled it and inserted a tap, darkness had fallen.
If they wished to explore the house farther, it would be necessary to
carry candles; and somehow neither Mr. Jope nor Mr. Adams felt eager
for this adventure. They were hungry, moreover. So they decided to
make their way back to the great hall, and sup.
They supped by the light of a couple of candles. The repast
consisted of bread and cold bacon washed down by cold rum-and-water.
At Symonds's--they gave no utterance to this reflection, but each
knew it to be in the other's mind--at Symonds's just now there would
be a boiled leg of mutton with turnips, and the rum would be hot,
with a slice of lemon.
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