“Humph!” said the mill-owner. “Now we have got to get you up.”
“What a pity he’s such a heavy-weight,” said Will to Josh, in a whisper.
“Drinkwater has found a special way down here. You will have to lean on two of us and manage it somehow. Mr Carlile, take the lantern, will you, please? Now, Drinkwater, get hold of Mr Manners’ other arm.”
“Right, master.”
“Do you think you can do it?” said Mr Willows.
“Don’t know,” said the artist; “but I will try.”
“That’s the style,” said the mill-owner. “There, lean heavily on me. You, Drinkwater, get firm hold of his other arm. Slowly does it!” And the little procession started.
“It took me a long while to get here,” said the artist, “but as for getting back—”
“Don’t you worry about that,” said the Vicar. “We shall manage all right, never fear.”
It was after about an hour that the Vicar went up to Mr Willows.