I have no very
definite idea what happened that night, and certainly could give
but a vague account of myself from the time I left the house till
next morning, when I found myself lying stiff and half frozen on
the moor. Anyhow, whether I killed him or not it's all the same. I
should have done so if I could. And if some one else has saved me
the trouble I suppose I ought to feel obliged to him."
Mr. Porson saw that in Ned's present state it was useless to
talk to him. Two nights without sleep, together with the intense
excitement he had gone through, had worked his brain to such a
state of tension that he was not responsible for what he was saying.
Further conversation would do him harm rather than good. What he
required was rest and, if possible, sleep. Mr. Porson therefore
only said quietly:
"We will not talk about it now, Ned; your brain is over excited with
all you have gone through. What you want now is rest and sleep."
"I don't feel sleepy, Mr. Porson. I don't feel as if I should ever
get to sleep again. I don't look like it, do I?"
"No, Ned, I don't think you do at present; but I wish you did,
my boy. Well, remember that we, your old friends, all believe you
innocent of this thing, and that we will spare no pains to prove
it to the world. I see," he said, looking at the table, "that you
have not touched your breakfast. I am not surprised that you could
not eat it.
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