Then I saw a sturdy, bow-legged form dragging a great, tall giant along the pavement close behind me.
“What can any one want with me?” the poor girl sobbed in such a bitter tone that it cut me like a knife. Then she grew more quiet, though the tears still ran down her cheeks. I took the arm I had dropped and went on.
What I said is no one’s business. But before we reached the place where she was staying she had promised to do as I had asked her.
We walked slower as we drew near the house where she was staying, and those ruffians behind us began to catch up.
“I niver thought it; ’pon my whurd, fer a fact, I didn’t. But ’tis clear as a tropic night, with a moon, t’ me now.”
“You never think, anyways, you red-headed infernal—”
“’Pon me whurd, I forgive him, Garnett. I might av died for a principle, savin’ yer ugly prisince, but by th’ sowl av Saint Patrick I’d turn pirit this minute fer a leddy like that.”
“The more fool, you, you—”
“Phwat’s th’ matter with ye? She’s young and hasn’t half th’ divilments av a widder—”
“If you are going to sail with me get out and get as drunk as you please. If you are not aboard in the morning I go without you. Get out! Clear!”