Away bounded the boy.
She has carried both of us before to-day, and safely too, when each had a heavier load upon her back than we both have now. Get thee ready sister—for my own part—I—well George, I have been looking for sorrow and am pretty well prepared for it, thee sees. I knew four months ago that I had wagered my life against Judith Hubbard’s life—I am sorry for Judith—I should be sorry to bring her to such great shame, to say nothing of death, and were it not for others, and especially for that poor child, (pointing to Elizabeth) I would rather lay down my own life—much rather, if thee’ll believe me George, than do her the great mischief that I now fear must be done to her, if our Elizabeth is to escape the snare.
I do believe you—are you ready?—
Quite ready; but why do thee stand there, as if thee was not going too?—or as if thee had not made up thy mind?
Ah—I thought I saw a face—
I dare say thee did; but thee’s not afraid of a face, I hope?
I hear the sound of horses’ feet—
How now?—it is not for such as thee to be slow of resolve.
He drew a long breath—
George—thee is going with us?