"You can't restore a shattered idol, mater. It's my fault, I know, but a fellow expects——"
"Everything," Mrs Darwen said sadly, "and some women give it, ah! yes, some women give it."
CHAPTER XIV
A few days later, the inquest on the man who had been killed at the works was held. Darwen gave evidence that he was going up to tell the man to be more careful as he had just dropped an iron bar, when he tried to get up on his feet and slipped off the plank. Several men who had been working there at the time corroborated his evidence, and a verdict of 'accidental death' was brought in—with a censure on the foreman for allowing an intoxicated man to go up on high scaffolding.
Councillor Donovan met Darwen afterwards. "You seem to be having a run of bad luck, Mr Darwen."
"Yes, we have been rather unfortunate lately; still 'tis a Providence' you know, Mr Donovan. If men will get drunk——"
"Sure! Yes! Will you come and have a whisky yourself, Mr Darwen?"
"Thanks, I will."
They adjourned to a saloon bar near.