<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</SPAN></span></p>
<h2><span> </span> <span>XXV.</span></h2>
<p>Then the Angel came in sight of the forge, where Sandy Bright's brother
was shoeing a horse for the carter from Upmorton. Two hobbledehoys were
standing by the forge staring in a bovine way at the proceedings. As the
Angel approached these two and then the carter turned slowly through an
angle of thirty degrees and watched his approach, staring quietly and
steadily at him. The expression on their faces was one of abstract interest.</p>
<p>The Angel became self-conscious for the first time in his life. He drew
nearer, trying to maintain an amiable expression on his face, an
expression that beat in vain against their granitic stare. His hands
were behind him. He smiled pleasantly, looking curiously at the (to him)
incomprehensible employment of the smith. But the battery of eyes seemed
to angle for his regard. Trying to meet the three pairs at once, the
Angel<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</SPAN></span> lost his alertness and stumbled over a stone. One of the yokels
gave a sarcastic cough, and was immediately covered with confusion at
the Angel's enquiring gaze, nudging his companion with his elbow to
cover his disorder. None spoke, and the Angel did not speak.</p>
<p>So soon as the Angel had passed, one of the three hummed this tune in an
aggressive tone.</p>
<div class="center"><ANTIMG src="images/music.jpg" width-obs='600' height-obs='96' alt="Music" /></div>
<p>Then all three of them laughed. One tried to sing something and found
his throat contained phlegm. The Angel proceeded on his way.</p>
<p>"Who's <i>e</i> then?" said the second hobbledehoy.</p>
<p>"Ping, ping, ping," went the blacksmith's hammer.</p>
<p>"Spose he's one of these here foweners," said the carter from Upmorton.
"Däamned silly fool he do look to be sure."</p>
<p>"Tas the way with them foweners," said the first hobbledehoy sagely.</p>
<p>"Got something very like the 'ump," said the carter from Upmorton.
"Dää-ä-ämned if 'E ent."</p>
<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</SPAN></span></p>
<p>Then the silence healed again, and they resumed their quiet
expressionless consideration of the Angel's retreating figure.</p>
<p>"Very like the 'ump et is," said the carter after an enormous pause.</p>
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