“Wal, but you won’t go all by yerself! Ye’ll want some o’ us wi’ ye?”
“No.”
“Not me, nor Ned?”
“Neither. You’ll both be needed to take care of them.”
Clancy nods towards the sisters, adding:—
“You’ll have your hands full enough with Bosley and Harkness. Both will need looking after—and carefully. Jupe I’ll take with me.”
Woodley remonstrates, pointing out the danger of the course his comrade intends pursuing. He only yields as Clancy rejoins, in a tone of determination, almost command:—
“You must do as I tell you, Sime; go on to the Mission, and take them with you. As for me, I’ve a strong reason for remaining behind by myself; a silly sentiment some might call it, though I don’t think you would.”
“What is’t? Let’s hear it, an’ I’ll gie ye my opeenyun strait an’ square.”
“Simply, that in this whole matter from first to last, I’ve een making mistakes. So many, it’s just possible my courage may be called in question; or; if not that, my ability. Now, do you understand me?”