One day a peasant came strolling along.

He was a powerful-looking man and carried a heavy stick.

Ralph was lying on his back looking up at the clouds and did not hear the man approach till he was close to him, then with a quick movement he sprang to his feet.
"I did not hear you coming," he said.

"You have given me quite a start." "It's a fine day, yer honor, for sleeping on the turf here," the man said civilly.
"I was not asleep," Ralph said; "though I own that I was getting on for it." "Is yer honor expecting to meet any one here ?" the man asked.

"Sure, it's a mighty lonesome sort of place." "No, I am not expecting any one.