Mona's pale face twitched visibly, and she listened as with every faculty.
"Who d'ye mane?" asked Billy-the-Gawk.
At that question there was a moment's silence between the men. Then each drew a long breath, dislodged a heavy burden from his throat, glanced significantly up at Mona, and looked into the other's face.
"Him," said Jabez, in a faint underbreath, speaking behind his hand.
"Him?"
Billy-the-Gawk straightened his crooked back, opened wide his rheumy eyes, pursed up his wizened cheeks, and emitted a low, long whistle.
"Lord A'mighty!"
For an instant Jabez looked steadily into the old mendicant's face, and then drew himself up in his seat—
"Lord a-massy!"
Mona's heart leaped to her mouth. She was almost beside herself with suspense, and felt an impulse to scream.