“But he didn't do it,” Stukeley said sharply.
“No, he didn't do it,” Bill replied.
There was a silence again for a long time; then Stukeley opened his eyes suddenly.
“Bill, I should like to see Polly again. Dost think as she will come and say goodby?”
“Oi am sure as she will,” Bill said steadily. “Shall oi go and fetch her?”
“It's a wild night to ask a gal to come out on such an errand,” Stukeley said doubtfully.
“Polly won't mind that,” Bill replied confidently. “She will just wrap her shawl round her head and come over. Oi will run across and fetch her. Oi will not be gone three minutes.”
In little more than that time Bill returned with Mary Powlett.
“I am awfully sorry to hear you are so bad, John,” the girl said frankly.
“I am dying, Polly; I know that, or I wouldn't have sent for ye. It was a good day for you when you said no to what I asked you.”