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That night Snarley, in the tap-room of the Nag's Head, heard the story from the groom who had lit the fire, hung the kettle, and seen it fly into space. Snarley said nothing, quickly finished his glass, and went home. "Missis," he said, "get my breakfast at three o'clock to-morrow morning. Shepherd Toller's come back. And mind you hold your tongue."
I privately resolved to insure a favorable reception for the poor fellow, by making him the miller's partner. Bank notes in Toller's pocket! What a place reserved for Gloody in Toller's estimation! But I confess that Cristel's allusion to a possible accident rather oppressed my mind, situated as we were at that time. What we talked of next has slipped from my memory.
G. 'It would be better for the protection of all of us. Miss Toller. 'I couldn't do it for worlds; you'll pardon me for saying so. I'd sooner you left me without paying me a farthing. Helen may have her faults, but she is as honest as . Miss Toller's voice trembled and she could not finish the sentence. Mrs. P. 'Have you any reason to suspect any any improper relationship? Miss Toller.
He also said, or hinted, that "the Master" had taught him the method whatever it may have been for sending Toller to sleep, "that were better than all the doctor's bottles." From the same source, doubtless, came his secret for "setting Toller's mind at rest."
Coiled round Toller's left arm were three slings, made from strips of raw oxhide, with pouches, large and small, for hurling stones of various size. Slung over his back was a big bag, also of leather, which contained his ammunition smooth pebbles gathered from the torrent bed, the largest being the size of a man's fist.
Toller's gratitude became ungovernable: he was more eager than ever, and more eloquent than ever, in returning to the repairs. "And then, sir, there's the oven. They do call bread the staff of life. It's a burnt staff at one time, and a clammy staff at another, in our domestic experience.
I left Gloody to wait my return; being careful to place him under the protection of the upper servants who would see that he was treated with respect by the household generally. On the way to Toller's cottage, my fears for Cristel weighed heavily on my mind.
Can't you see they're crucifying Shepherd Toller on a red-hot cross? I can hear him screamin' wi' pain. 'Get out, I sez; 'Shepherd Toller's all right.
He tore from his pocket his little book, filled with blank leaves, and threw it at Toller's head. "Write," he repeated. "If you murder me with your screeching again, look out for your skinny throat I'll throttle you." Cristel picked up the book. She was gratefully sensible of her father's interference. "He shall know what you said to him," she promised the old man. "I'll write it myself."
You'll never make me believe as the Spanish ram got any one on 'em no, not if you was to take your dyin' oath. Blessed if I know where he found a father for 'em. It's not one o' our rams, I'll swear. You mark my word, missis, Shepherd Toller's goin' out of his mind again. I've seen it comin' on for months. Only last Tuesday he sez to me, 'Snarley, I'm gettin' cloudy on the top."
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