To an agricultural-minded man it was a watery waste; but to a boy who had passed his life there, and found it the home of bird, insect, fish, and flower, and an ever-changing scene of pleasure, it was all that could be called attractive and bright.
"I'm ready to go," said Tom sturdily; "only I don't know which to do." "Which to do!" cried Dick, with his face growing red, and his eyes flashing.

"Why, what do you mean ?" "Whether to go for a soldier or a sailor." "Haw! haw!" Hickathrift's was a curious laugh.

At a distance it might have been taken for a hail; but a fine heron standing heel-deep in the shallow water took it to be a cry to scare him, so spreading his great flap wings, and stooping so as to get a spring, he flew slowly off with outstretched legs, while the squire and Farmer Tallington looked back to see if they had been called.
"What are you laughing at ?" said Tom angrily.
"Yow, lad, yow.

Why, you arn't big enew to carry a goon; and as for sailing, do you think a ship's like a punt, and shoved along wi' a pole!" "Never mind," grumbled Tom.

"I'm not going to stop here and be suspected for nothing." "Nay, nay, don't you lads talk nonsense." "It's no nonsense, Hicky," said Dick bitterly.