The four bearers set the gate upon the ground, and Honor held the candle aloft that the light might fall on Larry. But a soft wind was blowing, and it drove the flame on one side, making the long wick glow and then carrying it away in sparks.
'Mr. Piper, go into the cottage and ask my sister Kate to give you my scissors. I will remove the coat. Go all of you, either to the well a few steps down the lane, or into our kitchen, and wait. Kate will give you towel and soap. Leave me with Larry. I must deal very gently with him, and I had rather you were none of you by.'
'You're right,' said Piper. 'Us had better have white faces and get clear of horses and other gear before he sees us.'
'We must be quick,' said Sam Voaden. 'Larry must be got home as fast as may be.'
Then they ran, some to the well in the bank, some—Sam, of course—into the cottage, and left Honor for a moment or two beside the prostrate man, kneeling, holding the guttering candle with one hand, and screening the flame from the wind with the other.
Then Larry opened his eyes, and looked long and earnestly into her face. He said nothing. He did not stir a finger; but his eyes spoke.
'Larry!' she breathed. Her heart spoke in her voice, 'Larry, are you much hurt?'
He slightly moved his head.
'Much, Larry? where?'
'In my pride, Honor,' he answered.