Then he told the long story of his fruitless quest.
“My evidence might have saved you,” he said. “Is it yet too late?”
“Yes, it is too late,” said Ralph.
“I think I could say where the warrant came from.”
“Robbie, remember the vow you took never to speak of this matter again.”
At mention of the warrant, Sim had once more crept up eagerly. Ralph saw that the hope of escape still clung to him. Would that muddy imperfection remain with him to the last?
“Robbie, if you ever had any feeling for me as a friend and comrade, let this thing lie forever undiscovered in your mind.”
Unable to speak, the young dalesman bent his head.
“As for Sim, it wounds me to the soul. But for myself, what have I now to live for? Nothing. I tried to save the land to my mother and brother. How is she?”
“Something better, as I heard.”