[aeengine-main] Leasant place called the Sandpits, not far from their abode, a

[Jurden A. <cra...@ch...>]

 up to him, "may I ask what brings you here?" "I am studying botany,"
replied Tom. "Studying fiddlesticks!" cried his neighbour; "what
business have you in my fields?" "I have examined all the plants on our
side," answered Tom, meekly. "Then go back and examine them again,"
cried Mr. Chanticleer, putting himself in a great passion, "and don't
let me see you here any more!" "You need not be angry, sir," said Tom,
"I have done no mischief." "Angry, sir! what do you mean by angry?"
spluttered out the other. "I'll teach you to tell me I'm angry!" and so
saying, he thrust Tom with all his force into the hedge. Luckily there
was a gap there, and Tom was able to get through, and thus escape from
any further insult. He heard Chanticleer's voice shouting after him; Tom
did not stay to listen, but ran towards the wood as fast as his legs
would carry him. It so happened,