Tom had never seen such enormous trees , and as he looked up he fancied that the blue sky rested on their heads . But he was puzzled very much by a strange murmuring noise , which followed them all the way . So much puzzled , that at last he took courage to ask the keeper what it was . He spoke very civilly , and called him Sir , for he was horribly afraid of him , which pleased the keeper , and he told him that they were the bees about the lime flowers . `` What are bees ? '' asked Tom . `` What make honey . '' `` What is honey ? '' asked Tom . `` Thou hold thy noise , '' said Grimes . `` Let the boy be , '' said the keeper . `` He 's a civil young chap now , and that 's more than he 'll be long if he bides with thee . '' Grimes laughed , for he took that for a compliment . `` I wish I were a keeper , '' said Tom , `` to live in such a beautiful place , and wear green velveteens , and have a real dog-whistle at my button , like you . '' The keeper laughed ; he was a kind-hearted fellow enough . `` Let well alone , lad , and ill too at times . Thy life 's safer than mine at all events , eh , Mr. Grimes ? '' And Grimes laughed again , and then the two men began talking , quite low . Tom could hear , though , that it was about some poaching fight ; and at last Grimes said surlily , `` Hast thou anything against me ? '' `` Not now . ''
`` Then do n't ask me any questions till thou hast , XXXXX I am a man of honour . ''
against as at by for if on than that up