Sandy Rowl caught the honest truth and unselfishness of the warning in Tommy Lark's voice.
"I thanks you, Tommy," said he. "'Twas well spoken."
"Oh, you owes me no thanks," Tommy replied simply. "I'd not have the maid grieved for all the world."
"I'll tell her that you said so."
Tommy was startled.
"You speak, Sandy," said he in gloomy foreboding, "as though I had come near t' my death."
"We've both come near t' death."
"Ay—maybe. Well—no matter."
"'Tis a despairful thing to say."
"I'm not carin' very much what happens t' my life," young Tommy declared. "You'll mind that I said so. An' I'm glad that I isn't carin' very much any more. Mark that, Sandy—an' remember."