"
Here the smith's angry garrulity was interrupted by Daniel Hardseg, a
sort of deputy house-steward, whose duty it was to look after all
business not immediately connecting itself with any other department in
the household. He was prime executive in most of the out-door duty, and
a particular crony at the hovel. His "Hilloa!" was terrific.
"Why, a murrain to thee, goodman Grim, thy fire is colder than my
halidome; the sun is so high it puts it out, I reckon. Here have I two
iron pots, a plate from my master's best greaves, and a pair of spurs
that want piecing, and I'm like to tinker them as I list on a cold
stithy. Get out, thou"--Here he became aware of an additional inmate to
Grim's dwelling; and this discovery for a while checked the copious
torrent of Dan's eloquence. Shortly, Darby drew him aside, and from
their looks it might be gathered that some scheme was negotiating for
the pilgrim's safe admission at the hall. To an entreaty, more
strenuously urged on the part of our diplomatist, Dan replied, in a
louder tone--
"Why, look thee, gossip, it were as much as my lugs were
worth--but--I'll e'en try.
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