"Put the lad on the boat" said the bargeman.

Leading the horse, he said "Kim up you bounder." "Kim up you bounder."

As we approached Meriden my father was constantly looking over the hedges.

Suddenly he said, "This is it."

We crawled through. In front of us was a hayrick one third complete.

"We will stay here till daybreak, it will be quite warm."

"Take off your boots son, it will ease your feet."

Next morning my father was first to awaken. He was so gentle and kind yet some would say he was callous.

Down to the canal side with towel and soap, a good wash and brush up. Every piece of hay had to be removed from our clothes.

"My son, we must not give the village policeman the impression we have been sleeping out."

Passing a cottage my father put some tea in a can.

"Go and ask the lady at that cottage for some hot water, and mind your manners."

It was some minutes before she returned carrying two cups and a jug full of hot tea.

After refreshments jug and cups were washed at the well.

"Take them back son, and mind your manners."

The lady met me at the gate.

"Take this little parcel and here's a silver sixpence for you."

My father, raising his hat said: "God bless you, lady."

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