“Well, Withers?” inquired the officer, as soon as the two had got fairly within the room, “have you seen the two woodmen?”
“Only one, captain. The old one, Dancey, han’t come home yet; but his daughter said she was expectin’ him the night.”
“And the other?”
“Wull Walford. Yes, captain, I seen him; and delivered your message.”
“Well; he’s coming to see me, is he not?”
“I’m afeard not, captain.”
“Why not?”
“He’s a queery sort, is Wull Walford. I knew him ’fore I left the county to list in the troops. He’s a ill-tempered cur; that’s what he is.”
“But why should he show temper with me? He don’t know, but that I may intend kindness to him?”
“After what’s happened he’s afeard to see you, captain. That’s why I think he won’t come.”