Patton, nettled by this parsimony of speech, made the inward comment that his companion was "a deep un." The village was perfectly aware of the particular friendship shown by Miss Boyce to the Hurds.

He was goaded into trying a more stinging topic.
"Westall wor braggin' last night at Bradsell's"-- (Bradsell was the landlord of "The Green Man" at Mellor)--"ee said as how they'd taken you on at the Court--but that didn't prevent 'em knowin' as you was a bad lot.

Ee said _ee_ 'ad 'is eye on yer--ee 'ad warned yer twoice last year--" "That's a lie!" said Hurd, removing his pipe an instant and putting it back again.
Patton looked more cheerful.
"Well, ee spoke cru'l.

Ee was certain, ee said, as you could tell a thing or two about them coverts at Tudley End, if the treuth were known.
You wor allus a loafer, an' a loafer you'd be.

Yer might go snivellin' to Miss Boyce, ee said, but yer wouldn't do no honest work--ee said--not if yer could help it--that's what ee said." "Devil!" said Hurd between his teeth, with a quick lift of all his great misshapen chest.