Colwyn returned to the bar parlour and, after explaining to Mr. Cromering and Galloway what had happened, went into the bar.
"Men," said Colwyn, "Charles has fallen into the pit on the rise, and I need the help of some of you to get him out. Queensmead has gone for ropes. Who will come with me?"
There was no response. The villagers looked at each other in silence, and moved uneasily. Then a man in jersey and sea-boots spoke:
"None of us dare go up to th' pit, ma'aster."
"Why not?"
"Life be sweet, ma'aster. It be a suddint and bloody end to meet th' White Lady of th' pit. Luke what's happened to Charles, who went out of this bar not ten minutes agone! Who knows who she may take next?"
"Very well, then stay where you are. You are a lot of cowards," said Colwyn, turning away.
The faces of the men showed that the epithet rankled, as Colwyn intended that it should. There was a brief pause, and then another fisherman stepped forward and said:
"I'm a Norfolk man, and nobbut agoin' to say I'm afeered. I'll go wi' yow, ma'aster."
"If yower game, Tom, I'll go too," said another.