"Yes, yes," breathed Tess.
"But I air such a wicked man, awful wicked. I've done things God'll never forgive."
"But he will," murmured Tess. "Don't you remember what I sang?" and again,
"Jesus is merciful," brought a fresh rush of tears from the dying squatter.
A hoarse rattle sounded, suddenly, in his throat.
"Be ye knowin' Andy Bishop, missy?" he muttered, when he could speak.
"Yes," said Tessibel, aghast. She'd forgotten Andy!
"Yes!" she said again, almost in a query.
"He were up here five years ... innercent," wailed Bennet, "an' they just telled me he air been brought back again for shootin' Waldstricker. I were glad at first, but, now, I—"
He coughed spasmodically, and Tessibel closed her fingers more tightly over the thin hand.