"But you promised."
"I know I did; but I be feared, I tell 'ee. I shud be axed questshuns, and I be es fullish as a cheeld."
"I gave you money."
"I know you ded; but there, I tell 'ee I caan't. Go 'way, do'ee now, or we sh'll be vound out, an' it'll go 'ard wi oal ov us."
"But I promised that all should be well with you, and that you should have a big reward."
"I knaw, I knaw. That maid you 'ad maade me veel silly, and she cud make me promise anything, but that was in the daytime, when I wos as bould as a lion. But tes night now, and I be feared, I tell 'ee. Besides, how could you make et right fur me; ya be'ant nothin' but a youngish chap. Who be 'ee? What be 'ee called?"
"Who am I?" and as if by magic the voice which had reached me in a hoarse whisper now became like that of an old woman. It was pitched in a high key and it quavered much, save when it took a lower tone, and then it became like the croaking of a raven.
"Open the door of my tower," said the voice.
I could scarce help trembling myself as I heard the tones, but the effect on Jenkins was more marked.
"Your tower; oa my Gor!" he moaned.