"Many's the time, Peter."
"And have you ever--seen him knocked down?"
"No," returned the Ancient, shaking his head, "I've seed 'im all
blood from 'ead to foot, an' once a gert, big sailor-man knocked
'im sideways, arter which Jarge got fu'rus-like, an' put 'im to
sleep--"
"No, Peter!" added Simon, "I don't think as there be a man in
all England as could knock Black Jarge off 'is pins in a fair,
stand-up fight."
"Hum!" said I.
"Ye see--'e be that 'ard, Peter!" nodded the Ancient. "Why,
look!" he cried--"look 'ee theer!"
Now, looking where he pointed, I saw a man dart across the road
some distance away; he was hidden almost immediately, for there
were many trees thereabouts, but there was no mistaking that
length of limb and breadth of shoulder.
"'Twere Black Jarge 'isself!" exclaimed Simon, whipping up his
horses; but when we reached the place George was gone, and though
we called and sought for some time, we saw him no more.
So, in a while, we turned and jogged back towards Sissinghurst.
"What be you a-shakin' your 'ead over, Old Un?" inquired Simon,
after we had ridden some distance.
"I were wonderin' what that old fule Amos'll say when we drive
back wi'out Jarge."
Being come to the parting of the ways, I descended from the cart,
for my head was strangely heavy, and I felt much out of sorts,
and, though the day was still young I had no mind for work.
Therefore I bade adieu to Simon and the Ancient, and turned aside
towards the Hollow, leaving them staring after me in wonderment.