presently; so I drew him aside and said in his ear:

“If I could see the head keeper a minute — only just a minute — ”

“Prithee do not let me.”

“Let you what ?”

“Hinder me, then, if the word please thee better.

Then he went on to say he was an under-cook and could not stop to gossip, though he would like it another time; for it would comfort his very liver to know where I got my clothes. As he started away he pointed and said yonder was one who was idle enough for my purpose, and was seeking me besides, no doubt. This was an airy slim boy in shrimp-colored tights that made him look like a forked carrot, the rest of his gear was blue