'Oh, rallaluley! this be fine games.' And the old savage dashed off over the moor.
Thus ended Herring's attempt at reformation of Grizzly Cobbledick. He had gone forth that morning resolved to check the old man in his downward career by cutting off the occasion of drinking, and he had supplied the man with the means of drinking himself to death.
However, he went his way, relieved in mind, to West Wyke. He had saved Joyce from further unpleasantness from her father.
Cicely met him in the porch.
'You have been a long time out,' she said. 'My father has been calling for you all day. He is very feeble; you will notice how different he is from what you saw him last night. The excitement of your return stimulated him, and now has come the relapse. Hark! I hear him calling.'
Herring went in, with her.
'Papa has only come down this afternoon. I persuaded him to lie in bed during the morning, but when he thought you would be returning from Upaver he insisted on being dressed and descending to meet you.'
'John, is that you?' called the old Squire from his chair by the fire.
'Yes, sir. I have been all day at Upaver. I have got news to tell you. We have come on a bunch of metal which I hope will clear you of all care.'
Mr. Battishill nodded. 'Yes, yes!'