"Ay. And I didn't want you to wake up yet a bit." He spoke quickly. "I think I'd better tell you. I've been reading those books of yours. They fell out of your pockets, and I simply couldn't help it, but I've had to do it in the barn for fear my father should see. I'm taking care of them. Will you let me keep them till I've read a bit more? Just an hour or two? Well, I'll let you have the Milton back—I've had him at school—if I can have the Keats. I'll have finished by the time you've had your tea."
Here was someone who knew what he wanted! "If you will give me my clothes I will certainly lend you Keats."
"I'm much obliged to you. And would you mind not mentioning it to my father?" He went to the door. "I'll tell my mother you're awake, and I should think she'll let you have your clothes. They've been dry this long while. Did you lose your hat?"
"Isn't it there?"
"No, there's everything but that."
"Dear me! Well, I'm fortunate to have lost nothing else."
Alexander drew nearer. "You said you saw figures in the mist up yonder. What like were they?"
"Did I say that? I was very nervous, very much dazed; you mustn't believe all I said. What else did I say?"
"You wanted milk, that's all. Oh, and you seemed to like the smell of bacon."
"Ah, I remember—yes, it was a pleasant, homely smell. And I am very grateful to you all. Will you kindly give my thanks to your parents, and ask if I may be allowed to have my clothes, and thank them myself? I was a stranger, and ye took me in."