“It seemed as if help would never come,” I said.
“Ay, it weer long time,” said Pannell; “but I found no one about at last, and I slipped over the wall.”
“Yes, and I know where,” I said.
“And there was Piter waiting and wanting me to follow him. But there was no getting in—the doors were locked. I seemed to know, though, that the dog wanted to get me to the wheel-pit, and when I tried to think how to get to you I found there was no way ’cept through my forge. So I got out o’ my window, and put the dorg down, and—well, I came. Arn’t much of a fire here, but if I blow it up Stivens or some on ’em will hear it, or see it, or something; and I s’pose I shall have it for to-night’s work.”
I did feel warmer and better able to move, and at last I rose to make the best of my way back.
“Nobody will notice my wet things,” I said, “now it’s dark. I don’t know what to say to thank you, Pannell.”
“Say I was a big boompkin for meddling ower what didn’t consarn me. If I don’t come to wuck to-morrow you’ll know why.”
“No; I shall not,” I cried wonderingly.
“Ah, then, you’ll have time to find out,” he muttered. “Good-night, lad!”
“Stop a moment and I’ll open the gate,” I cried.