February 24th 1761, Norwiche
Still recovering from the coach journey to Croyland Abbey with Dan Tangle and Jimothy Ditheridge. I shudder to think on it, but I must record here a most perplexing incident which took place as we stepped into the main abbey church.
Hearing my medieval crotal bell ringing in my pocket, Ditheridge enquired,
"Cornelius, is that your crotal bell I can hear ringing?"
"Scrotal bell!" exclaimed Dan immediately.
"No Dan, crotal", replied I.
"SCROTAL you say!" cries he, in his harsh loud tones.
I gestured to him to place his ear-trumpet to his ear, and as he did so I repeated myself...
"It's my crotal bell Dan."
"Scrotal bell Cornelius! Well I'll be damned, didn't take you for one of those tinkle-tailed dandiprats..."
It was then that I noticed a gathered of well-dressed ladies glowering accusingly from the chancel end in our direction, clearly shocked by our exchange. Despite my years I felt myself colouring up and smiled meekly as I removed Mr. Tangle's hat from atop his head.
For as long as I may be granted the gift of life I will never forget the sound of their screams as I reached into my pocket to reveal my bell to them.
© Tangle & Hump, Peddlers of the Past
