He drew some of them aside, and laughed contemptuously. 'See—those fellows who have been before me have riddled the backboards with gimlet holes. By Moses!'—he started back and shut the door.
What alarmed him and interrupted him in his search was the passing before the window of Mrs. Jose and Winefred. When they entered he was standing beside the bed of Captain Job, with a look of commiseration on his face.
'Drat it,' said Olver, 'it may be womanly, but I can't help it, only a man does not care for females to witness his condition.' He wiped his eyes. 'Just come to take a farewell of my old mate. Not long, for this vale of tears. But we mustn't repine, must we, Mrs. Jose? Scripture——'
Mrs. Jose did not regard the ferryman. She pushed past him. He was no favourite of the farmer's wife. Moreover, Olver was at a loss how to finish his sentence. He was not primed with texts.
Mrs. Jose went at once to the side of the sick man.
Dench took occasion to draw back, and nudging Jane Marley, he said in an undertone, 'A word outside with you.'
She hung back.
'I must have it,' said he behind his hand. 'It is of serious importance.'
After a little further hesitation she yielded, and accompanied him without.
He conducted her a few paces from the cottage to a spot that was not overlooked, and which was beyond earshot. Then, turning upon her in a threatening tone, and with a menacing action, he said, 'Jane, I have been bawked, but it is there. It is certainly there. But he is deep, deep as hell. Find it, and I shall make it worth your while to confide in me. It is the strictly right, square, and honest thing I want to do, that the poor devil may have rest for his soul where he is going. You would like to have peace of mind on your deathbed, and it is a Christian duty in us to redress a great wrong he has committed, so that he may have a happy death. He robbed your father, your brother, you, and your child, and he has robbed me. All I seek is to do what is right and take what is properly mine, and give you what properly belongs to you. Make me your friend and not your enemy.'