Posted by Adam Quinan on December 08, 2006 at 13:08:54 from 192.75.48.150 user Adam.
In Reply to: Re: the 'people's sheep' factor (was UHT milk posted by Robert Hill on December 08, 2006 at 00:29:21:
I am sure both Ransome and his natives would have "known" what to call John had they "known" him. Ransome would not have had to work it out, it would have been normal usage for the time whatever that might have been.
But I agree as a non-local, most natives would not have known his name and he was a bit young to call "Sir". I agree that those that did know him, like the Jacksons and the Dixons and the Blackett servants, would not use the "Master John" construction as he was not their employer or a member of their employer's family. Master Walker which would have been more appropriate was probably too formal in the setting they came across him.