"I tell you I must. Something calls out to me to do it. You can't fight without me there, and I don't believe you can win without me. I swear I feel it so. Wouldn't you rather have me in your corner than any man if it comes to that?"
"Yes," he admitted, "I would; but you can't do what's got to do."
"I can do all," she replied. "I talked to Mr. Shillabeer to-day, when I'd made up my mind, and I axed him what the bottle-holder have to do; and he told me. I can do it all--every bit of it."
"You shall then!" said David.
She flushed with pleasure.
"You won't regret it. I may help you to win a bit. A woman that can keep her head, like I can, is useful anywhere."
"'Twill be you and faither--and I suppose that Crocker will have the 'Dumpling' and this queer, old, white-headed London man on his side."
"I'm gay and proud as you can trust me in such a thing," she said, her breast heaving.
"Yes--and now I think on it--you and me being what we are each to t'other--I will have it so. I couldn't fight all I know if you wasn't there, Rhoda. But I warn you, 'tis ugly work. You mustn't mind seeing my head knocked into a lump of black and blue flesh."
"That's nought so long as you win. 'Twill come right again."