" Breakfast was ready, and then the trouble began. Ben had no
clothes, and the boys enjoyed the joke. The company was again a large
one, for Serlizer and Matilda Nagle were added to the feminine part of
it, and the constable and the boy brought its male members up to six,
exclusive of the prostrate Ben. Mr. Terry had temporarily deserted the
kitchen. Mr. Toner's voice could be heard three doors off calling for
Sylvanus, Timotheus, Rufus, Mr. Rigby and Mr. Maguffin. These people
were all smilingly deaf, enjoying their hot breakfast. Then, in despair,
he called Serlizer.
"What's the racket, Ben?"
"My close is sto-ul, Serlizer."
"They's some duds hangin' up here and in the back kitchen to dry. Praps
yourn's there."
"No, Serlizer, myuns never got wayt. You don't think I was sech a blame
fooul as to go out in that there raiun do you?"
"Didn't know but what yer might."
"Whey's them close, anyway?"
"I don't know nuthun 'bout yer clothes. Most men as ain't marrd looks
after they own clothes."
"Is that you Ben?" asked the more refined voice of Tryphena, in a tone
of surprise.
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