“Tidy,” said the man relieved with a grin. “Warmer where there’s none.”
On they went again with the relieved man taking his place ready for the defence if called upon, and the fresh bearer toiling on as if there was nothing to mind.
“Mustn’t whistle, I suppose, Mr Jack?”
There was a shake of the head.
“S’pose not. Like letting the beggars know where we are. My word, how things seem to grow here. Take some muscle to cut a good road. Say, sir; think poor Ned here’s much hurt?”
“Hurt a good deal, of course, but it can’t be a dangerous wound.”
“I dunno,” said the man thoughtfully, after a few minutes’ silence. “Is he onsensible like, sir?”
“Yes, quite,” said Jack, after a look at Ned’s face.
“Can’t hear what I say then, sir? I’m a bit afeard for him.”
“Why?”