Natteau Gent has been dead and in his grave pretty nigh as long as that.

But he did his work well when he were alive; and so I gave him as brought it for t' sell about as much as it were worth, i' good coin.

A tried him first i' t' bartering line, but he wouldn't bite; like enough he wanted food,--many a one does now-a-days.' 'Who was he ?' gasped Hester.
'Bless t' woman! how should I know ?' 'What was he like ?--how old ?--tell me.' 'My lass, a've summut else to do wi' my eyes than go peering into men's faces i' t' dusk light.' 'But yo' must have had light for t' judge about the watch.' 'Eh! how sharp we are! A'd a candle close to my nose.

But a didn't tak' it up for to gaze int' his face.

That wouldn't be manners, to my thinking.' Hester was silent.