“How, then?” It is Yeo's turn to shudder now.
“Killed in Panama, fighting the Spaniards; sailing with Mr. Oxenham; and 'twas I led 'em into it. May God and you forgive me!”
“They couldn't die better, cousin Yeo. Where's my girl Grace?”
“Died in childbed.”
“Any childer?”
“No.”
The old man covers his face with his hands for a while.
“Well, I've been alone with the Lord these fifteen years, so I must not whine at being alone a while longer—'t won't be long.”
“Put this coat on your back, uncle,” says some one.
“No; no coats for me. Naked came I into the world, and naked I go out of it this day, if I have a chance. You'm better to go to your work, lads, or the big one will have the wind of you yet.”