out in an agony of terror. Then it flashed across his mind in a moment—Perks was playing him another of his tricks.
Waiting until Perks was near enough, he dealt him a blow straight from the shoulder that sent him sprawling to the other end of the cell.
"Oh, lor a massy!" he shouted, "if that ain't a stinger!"
"Serves you right," said Benny.
"Lor, but didn't I give you a scarin', just! I never did injoy a thing as much in my life; but, oh, lor! I nearly busted once or twice wi' larfin'."
"I think I gived you a scarin' too," retorted Benny.
"Well, I confess it corned raather sudden like; so that's one to you, Ben. I'll give you yer due."
"I've a good mind to pound you to a jelly," said Benny. "Yer always on with yer tricks."
"Well, I didn't 'tend to scare yer, Ben, for I wur bissy medertatin' on a little plan I 'as in my yed; but when yer spoke 'Perks!' anxious like, the idear comed to me all in a moment. Oh, lor, weren't it a spree!"
"I don't see no fun in it," said Benny.
"Oh, lor, yer don't?" and Perks laughed again. "But I say, Ben, I wants yer 'elp in carryin' out as puriy a bit o' play as ever you seen."
"Is it what you've been thinking about all the evenin'?"
"Ay, lad, it's the most butifullest idear that wur ever 'atched in this 'ere noddle; an' if you'll only 'elp me, my stars ! our fortin's made."
