"That's true," said Higgins, reflectively. "I've been thinking ever sin' I saw you, what a marcy it were yo' did na take me on, for that I ne'er saw a man whom I could less abide. But that's maybe been a hasty judgment; and work's work to such as me. So, measter, I'll come; and what's more, I thank yo'; and that's a deal fro' me," said he, more frankly, suddenly turning round and facing Mr. Thornton fully for the first time.
"And this is a deal from me," said Mr. Thornton, giving Higgins's hand a good grip. "Now mind you come sharp to your time," continued he, resuming the master. "I'll have no laggards at my mill. What fines we have, we keep pretty sharply. And the first time I catch you making mischief, off you go. So now you know where you are."

'That's true,' said Higgins, reflectively. 'So, measter, I'll come; and what's more, I thank yo'; and that's a deal fro' me.'
'And this is a deal from me,' said Mr. Thornton, gripping his hand. 'Now mind you come sharp to your time. I'll have no laggards at my mill. And the first time I catch you making mischief, off you go. So now you know where you are.'
