` There 's your Father at the Forge . What 's he talking to old Hobden about ? ' said Puck , opening his hand with three leaves in it . Dan looked towards the cottage . ` Oh , I know . It 's that old oak lying across the brook . Pater always wants it grubbed . ' In the still valley they could hear old Hobden 's deep tones . ` Have it as you 've a mind to , ' he was saying . ` But the vivers of her roots they hold the bank together . If you grub her out , the bank she 'll all come tearin ' down , an ' next floods the brook 'll swarve up . But have it as you 've a mind . The Mistuss she sets a heap by the ferns on her trunk . ` Oh ! I 'll think it over , ' said the Pater . Una laughed a little bubbling chuckle . ` What Devil 's in that belfry ? ' said Hal , with a lazy laugh . ` That should be a Hobden by his voice . ' ` Why , the oak is the regular bridge for all the rabbits between the Three Acre and our meadow .
The best place for wires on the farm , XXXXX says .
Dan Father Hal Hobden Mistuss Puck Una floods tearin vivers