Dennis O'Hara's face was terrible.
He and Bridget were the only ones standing; all the rest remained glued to their chairs, without speaking or moving.
"Now go on," he said, "we are all waiting to hear this fine confession; did you spirit Janet May away?"
"No, I didn't. You make me cease to fear you, father, when you speak in that tone," said Bridget. "I have behaved badly, I—I thought it would break my heart to tell you; but when you look at me like that——"
"Like what? Go on, Biddy, or you'll drive me mad."
"Well, I know what has happened to Janet. She went over to the Witch's Island last night. She said there was no witch. Nothing would make her believe in a witch, and she would go; it was her own desire."
"And you took her there, I suppose?"
"No, I didn't; I had nothing to do with it."
"It was I who did that part, uncle," said Pat, suddenly springing to his feet. "I won't let Biddy be the only one scolded; I was in an awful funk when I found what had happened, but I can't stand here and hear a girl spoken to like this; and Biddy isn't a bit nor a morsel to blame. It's just Biddy all out to try and shield other people; but it was my fault, mine and Gerry's. What is it, uncle? what is it you are saying to me?"