"Aw could do well by her," he said. "Better nor yon fine spark we call General. Why, man, his head's full of nonsense, just pack full. All about the rights o' man, and reform and striking down the oppressors of the poor. As if such as him can do owt! We're all melling wi' things too big for the likes o' us, Ben, an' fools as we all are, George is the biggest o' th' lot, for he hasn't sense enough to know he is a fool." Now there was just enough in this to make it sting the keener. So I pulled up short and said: "If that's your opinion about George, go tell him so thissen. An' if yo've ought more to say about our Mary go say it to hersen. Yo'll get your answer straight." And I spoke so rough any other man would have flared up; but Ben Walker could swallow more dirt when it suited his purpose nor any man I ever came across. "Oh! it's easy enough for thee to talk, Ben Bamforth," he said. "Tha cares nowt about her. Aw thowt happen tha did. An' yet aw might ha known different. Come to think on it, yo'd eyes t'other neet for nobbudy but Faith Booth. An' yo'll find her willing enough, an' one man's meat's another man's poison. A pawky ailing wench, but if yo' fancy her it's everything. Aw wish yo' luck, Ben, aw do indeed." "Ha' done with yo," I cried in anger. "Faith Booth's as much aboon me as our Mary is aboon you. And never speak again to me about such things as this. I want no secrets from you, and I'll tell none to you. We're in th' same boat as far as this business we're on to-night goes, but beyond that we've nought in common; and so, Ben Walker, without offence, give me as wide a berth as I'll give thee." And I fairly ran off and left him.