He had scarcely closed the window when two starlings fluttered down and began to eat.

Philpot watching them furtively from behind the shutter.

The afternoon passed uneventfully.

From one till five seemed a very long time to most of the hands, but to Owen and his mate, who was doing something in which they were able to feel some interest and pleasure, the time passed so rapidly that they both regretted the approach of evening.
'Other days,' remarked Bert, 'I always keeps on wishin' it was time to go 'ome, but today seems to 'ave gorn like lightnin'!' After leaving off that night, all the men kept together till they arrived down town, and then separated.

Owen went by himself: Easton, Philpot, Crass and Bundy adjourned to the 'Cricketers Arms' to have a drink together before going home, and Slyme, who was a teetotaler, went by himself, although he was now lodging with Easton.
'Don't wait for me,' said the latter as he went off with Crass and the others.