Neckland

He marched out into the pale sunshine, and Neckland followed.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

Neckland stared too, and was the first to find his voice.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

Neckland stood halfway between barn and mill, rubbing his skull.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

Grubby, with Bert Neckland, formed the whole strength of Joseph Grendon's labor force; but whereas Neckland was considered couth enough to board in the farmhouse (he had a gaunt room in the attic), Grubby was fit only to sleep in a little flint-and-chalk hut well away from the farm buildings.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

The flesh had a bitter taste for which Neckland was the first to account.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

"We better go and tell the farmer what we seen," Neckland said.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

Good Nancy came running out to stop him, but Neckland was charging up too with the pair of savage dogs 'growling at the ends of their chains ..

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

He noticed Neckland below Grubby's little hut, busy sawing wood; the farmer was not with him.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

Neckland turned to stare at him, his face hidden in shadows, nursing his shoulder with one hand.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966

"No one's going to eat me," Neckland said, looking decidedly white about the gills.

The Saliva Tree Aldiss, Brian 1966