He then, still carrying out his friend's views, went down to Mr Cheetham's words to talk to Simmons.
But he found an ill-looking fellow standing by the man's side, and close at his ear.

This was no other than Dan Tucker, who by a neat coincidence was tempting him to DO Little.
Yesterday's conversation had unsettled Simmons, and he did not come to work till twelve o'clock.

He then fixed a small pulley-wheel to his grindstone, to make up for lost time.
He was still resisting the tempter, but more faintly than yesterday, when Little came in, and spoke to him.

Both he and Dan were amazed at his appearance on the scene at that particular moment.

They glared stupidly but said nothing.
"Look here, Simmons," said Little.