`` Not he , '' returned the Carrier . `` He 's too busy , courting . '' `` He 's coming round , though , '' said Caleb ; `` for he told me to keep on the near side of the road going home , and it was ten to one he 'd take me up . I had better go , by-the-bye . -- You could n't have the goodness to let me pinch Boxer 's tail , mum , for half a moment , could you ? '' `` Why , Caleb , what a question ! '' `` Oh , never mind , mum ! '' said the little man . `` He might n't like it , perhaps . There 's a small order just come in for barking dogs ; and I should wish to go as close to Natur ' as I could for sixpence . That 's all . Never mind , mum . '' It happened opportunely that Boxer , without receiving the proposed stimulus , began to bark with great zeal . But , as this implied the approach of some new visitor , Caleb , postponing his study from the life to a more convenient season , shouldered the round box , and took a hurried leave . He might have spared himself the trouble , for he met the visitor upon the threshold . `` Oh ! You are here , are you ? Wait a bit . I 'll take you home . John Peerybingle , my service to you .
More XXXXX my service to your pretty wife .
Peerybingle as by-the-bye for from of that to upon without