The poor boy, overcome by what he had drunk, had fallen on the floor and was in a tipsy sleep.
Scantlebray went to him.
"Come along with me," he said. "Come, there is no time to be lost. Come, you fool!"
He shook him, but Jamie would not be roused, he kicked and struck out with his fists.
"You won't come? I'll make you."
Then Scantlebray caught the boy by the shoulders to drag him to the door. The child began to struggle and resist.
"Oh! I'm not concerned for you, fool," said Scantlebray. "If you like to stay and take your chance—my brother will be here to carry you off presently. Will you come?"
Scantlebray caught the boy by the feet and tried to drag him, but Jamie clung to the table-legs.
Scantlebray uttered an oath—"Stay, you fool, and be smothered! The world will get on very well without you."
And he strode forth from the cottage.
