Of course it's 'woods.' Why, I can see the word now in Milton's own handwriting, as I used to see it in the Library at Trinity." "I'm so sure it's 'fields,'" said Vernon, "that I declare myself willing to go without cake for tea if it isn't." "Will you put half a crown in the plate next Sunday if it's 'woods' ?" said Rod.
"Oh, I say, that's a bit stiff," said Vernon.

"Half a crown ?" "Very well, then," said Rod, "two bob.

Will you put two bob in the plate next Sunday if it's 'woods' ?" "Yes, I will," said Vernon.

"But if it's 'fields,' what will you do?
You mayn't take a shilling out ?" "No," said Rod; "if it's 'fields' I'll eat my best hat." "I hope it's fields,'" said Gregory.
"Horrid little boy!" said Rod.

"But now we'll see." He opened Milton slowly, and turned over the pages of "Lycidas." "Ha! ha!" he said; "no cake for Charles Vernon, Esquire, and two bob for Mother Church.