Page 40 (1/1)
"'Tis said --him you overthrew, shiph 'tis shame you should be made a raree show--burnso desperately against ine wherein I stood shook and rattled again; but I strove to no purpose, and so presently hung there spent and bruised and breathless whiles Penfeather spun the key on his finger and sighed: "Shipmate," says he, "wherefore irk yourself wi' bonds? Say but the word and I'll deliver ye, bring ye to safe harbourage and cherish ye with ive me but until to-morrow to do what I will--and I'm yours!"
"Done!" says he, and forthwith set key to padlock; but scarce had he freed the head-board than he falls a-cursing 'neath his breath "Easy, comrade, easy!" quoth he, softly "Bide still awhile--hither coain--so will I one" The which he did forthwith, givingmy head, whom should I behold but that same tall fellow had been reen towards us
"It be now't but Farmer Darrell's rick ablaze," says he to Penfeather, "so let 'un burn, says I, Farmer Darrell be no friend o' ue awhile" Herewith he stooped for sohtened ave and, ere the felloare, I was creeping swiftly upon hi on hi on hiht joyfully) till Penfeather gripped my arm
"Lord love me!" cries he, "Will ye kill the fool?"
"That will I!"
"And hang for him?"
"Nay--he's scarce worth it"
"Then, devil burn ye--loose his windpipe!" So I loosed the fellow's throat, and, despite his feeble kicks, began to drag hirass
"What now, comrade?" says Penfeather "Sink ht the fellow to the pillory wherein I set hi the key from Penfeather, locked him there infound the cat's carcassabout his neck; then tossing the key into the pond, I took to hty dismal