Sylvia's Lovers - Page 179/290

Many of the doors which had been close shut when the crowd went down

the High Street, were partially open as Daniel slowly returned; and

light streamed from them on the otherwise dark road. The news of the

successful attempt at rescue had reached those who had sate in

mourning and in desolation an hour or two ago, and several of these

pressed forwards as from their watching corner they recognized

Daniel's approach; they pressed forward into the street to shake him

by the hand, to thank him (for his name had been bruited abroad as

one of those who had planned the affair), and at several places he

was urged to have a dram--urgency that he was loath for many reasons

to refuse, but his increasing uneasiness and pain made him for once

abstinent, and only anxious to get home and rest. But he could not

help being both touched and flattered at the way in which those who

formed his 'world' looked upon him as a hero; and was not

insensible to the words of blessing which a wife, whose husband had

been impressed and rescued this night, poured down upon him as he

passed.

'Theere, theere,--dunnot crack thy throat wi' blessin'. Thy man

would ha' done as much for me, though mebbe he mightn't ha' shown so

much gumption and capability; but them's gifts, and not to be proud

on.' When Daniel reached the top of the hill on the road home, he turned

to look round; but he was lame and bruised, he had gone along

slowly, the fire had pretty nearly died out, only a red hue in the

air about the houses at the end of the long High Street, and a hot

lurid mist against the hill-side beyond where the Mariners' Arms had

stood, were still left as signs and token of the deed of violence.

Daniel looked and chuckled. 'That comes o' ringin' t' fire-bell,'

said he to himself; 'it were shame for it to be tellin' a lie, poor

oud story-teller.'