The big ditch, now full of running water, was a source of delight to the children as well as to the more practical adults.

The boys and girls played on its banks, and waded and sported in the cool stream.

Near the village of Greenstreet was a big headgate, from which the canal branched into two divisions.

As Dorian walked along the canal bank that afternoon, he saw a group of children at play near the headgate.

They were making a lot of robust noise, and Dorian stopped to watch them.