Humphrey considered, and his heart being uplifted above its customary level of caution, he acted with most unusual impulse and served these maimed musicians in a manner that astounded them. His only terror was that somebody might mark the deed; but this did not happen, and he accomplished his charity unseen.
"It's up this hill," he said; "but the hill's a steep one, and the fair will be half over afore you get there at this gait."
The men shrugged their shoulders and prepared to stump on.
"Get in," said Mr. Baskerville. "Get in, the pair of you, and I'll run you to the top."
He alighted and helped them to lift their organ up behind, while they thanked him to the best of their power. They talked and he listened as he drove them; and outside the village, on level ground, he dropped them again and gave them half-a-crown. Much heartened and too astonished to display great gratitude, they crawled upon their way while Humphrey turned again.
The taste of the giving was good to the old man, and its flavour astonished him. He overtook the drovers and their cattle presently, and it struck him that this company it was who had made the day so remarkable for him.
He half determined with himself to stop and speak with them and even restore the money he had exacted; for well he knew the gravity of their loss.
But, unfortunately for themselves, the twain little guessed what was in his mind; they still smarted from their disaster, and when they saw the cause of it they swore at him, shook their fists and threatened to do him evil if opportunity offered.
Whereupon Mr. Baskerville hardened his heart, kept his money in his pocket and drove forward.