The next day the stranger was found and sworn to by Bob, though he flatly denied having been anywhere in the direction of the toll-bar. Neither Dr. Layard nor the toll-man could swear to him, as he had passed on the farther side of the carriage while they were talking at the other window. He was an utter stranger in the neighbourhood, without friends, and he stated that he was on the tramp. A very old pistol was found in a ditch near the spot where Mrs. Duffy had been shot. The man was sent in safe custody to Lentford, to be brought face to face with the old woman, if she should recover consciousness enough to identify him and give her evidence against him.
For twenty-four hours or more it continued very doubtful whether the poor old creature would ever rally. She had not spoken since she had been found, but she lay perfectly tranquil and patient on her hospital bed. Now and then a gleam of a smile, like the momentary glimmer of the sun on a cloudy day crossed her face, and her lips moved slightly, as if she were whispering. She knew when they were doing anything for her, for she tried to help herself, to raise her thin hand, or turn her grey head upon the pillow for them to see her neck. Dr. Carey, who had known her in former days, spent as much time as he could beside her bed; and towards the close of the day, just before the night nurse was coming to take her turn, he heard her voice speaking articulately but very slowly and faintly, and he stooped over her to listen to what she said.
‘Dr. Layard’s daughter! Dr. Layard’s daughter!’ she murmured.
‘Would you like to see Dr. Layard’s daughter?’ asked Philip Carey, in his clearest and most pleasant tone.
‘Ay, ay,’ whispered the old woman.
‘To-morrow you shall,’ he said; ‘it is too late now. To-morrow.’
‘Ay, ay,’ she assented, cheerfully.
‘You will be better to-morrow,’ he suggested.
‘No, no,’ murmured the old woman. ‘He shot me dead because I wouldn’t give him my shilling. He robbed me.’
‘There’s a shilling wrapped up in a bit of blue sugar-paper in your pocket,’ said Dr. Carey. A sparkle of satisfaction shone upon the poor drawn face, and then Mrs. Duffy fell quietly asleep.