“Tell us all about it,” said Nelly, coldly; “let us hear all.”
“But you both promise solemnly, in the sight of God, never to breathe this to a human being till I give yez lave.”
“We do; we do,” replied Sarah; “in the sight of God, we do.”
“You don't spake,” said he, addressing Nelly.
“I promise it.”
“In the sight of God?” he added, “for I know you.”
“Ay.” said she, “in the sight of God, since you must have it so.”
“Well, then,” said he, “the common report is right; the man that murdhered him is Condy Dalton. I have kept it in till I can bear it no longer. It's my intention to go to a magistrate's as soon as my face gets well. For near two-and-twenty years, now, this saicret is lyin' hard upon me; but I'll aise my mind, and let justice take it's coorse. Bad I have been, but never so bad as to take my fellow-crature's life.”
“Well, I'm glad to hear it,” said his wife; “an' now I can undherstand you.”
“And I'm both glad and sorry,” exclaimed Sarah; “sorry for the sake of the Daltons. Oh! who would suppose it! and what will become of them?”