“I know nothin’ about figures, master; all I know is ’tis cruel hard that when I’ve a-worked all my days for ’ee, Farmer Joyce, you turn on me i’ my ancient years. It be hard, an’ I can’t say no different.” For the third time that day Mr. Joyce’s usually equable temper was disturbed. He now spoke angrily, partly to end the dispute, for the sight of Abel Robbins’ haggard, reproachful face was almost more than he could bear, partly because he was vexed at the pertinacity with which the old fellow adhered to his own point of view, partly because his kind heart smote him for the course of action he was about to pursue, though his judgment held it to be just. “Well, ’tis this way, Robbins,” he cried roughly, “take it or leave it, an’ please yourself. I’ve made ye a fair offer, an’ more than a fair offer. I can get another man to do all the work for ten shillin’ a week—men be plenty an’ work be scarce—’tis clear loss of six shillin’ a week out o’ my own pocket, an’ if I’m willin’ to put up with it you should be content; I’ll stick to my bargain.” “Well, I bain’t content, master,” cried Robbins, a dull fire coming into his eyes. “I’d sooner leave—I’d sooner give notice—ay, that I would.” [Picture: I be mazed; I be fair mazed] Farmer Joyce raised hands and eyes to Heaven. “I never heard such talk from a reasonable man. If you do leave me, how be you a-goin’ to live? Who’s a-going to take you on as a new hand if you leave me? It’ll be the House, man. There, don’t talk so foolish like. Think it over an’ give me your answer on Saturday. I’ll not hear a word on’t till then. It’s never my way to be hasty. Take time, shepherd; take time. When you’ve a-thought it over you’ll find it’s not such a bad bargain.” He turned away and strode down the hill, crook and pitchfork on shoulder. Robbins made no effort to detain him, but stood watching the receding figure in a dazed way till it disappeared at the angle of the lane. Then he walked back slowly to the enclosure where the sheep were still feeding and stood for a moment or two looking at them according to his custom, but without noticing them. “I be mazed,” he said to himself; “I be fair mazed.”