The clock on the tower chimed the hour, and he rose and continued his walk. He went down Garden Street, turned into New Street—which looked as if it had been new a hundred years ago at least—crossed the New Market, and came to the White Mountains.
He stood still before the spotted house, listening to the children's chatter, for, as usual, there were children playing about the street; they talked loudly and unreservedly while they were busy polishing little pieces of brick, presently to be used in a game of hop-scotch.
"What did you have for dinner, Janne?"
"That's my business!"
"Your business? Did you say it was your business? Mind what you're about or you'll get a hiding."
"Don't brag! You with your eyes!"
"Who shoved you into the lake the other day?"
"Oh! shut up!"
Janne received a thrashing, and peace was restored.
"I say! You stole cress in the churchyard the other day, didn't you, Janne?"