NIGHT THE FOURTH.
139
"They say, the man with the poker is after him."
"Oh, dear! that's dreadful. It's the second or third chase, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"He'll be likely to catch him this time."
"I shouldn't wonder."
"Poor devil! It won't be much matter. His family will be a great deal better without him."
"It will be a blessing to them if he dies."
"Miserable, drunken wretch!" muttered Harvey Green, who was present. "He's only in the way of everybody. The sooner he's off, the better."
The landlord said nothing.
He stood leaning across the bar, looking more sober than usual.
"That was rather an unlucky affair of yours, Simon. They say the child is going to die."
"Who says so?" Slade started, scowled, and threw a quick glance upon the speaker.
"Doctor Green."
