After George had started to fetch the lantern, Luke had at Polly's
suggestion sent two men back to the village, and these had now
returned with doors they had taken off the hinges. When Bill's
wounds were bandaged he and Ned were placed on the doors, Ned giving
a faint groan as he was moved.
"That's roight," Luke said encouragingly; "he be a-cooming round."
Two coats were wrapped up and placed under their heads, and they
were then lifted and carried off, Polly hurrying on ahead to make
up the fire and get hot water.
"Say nowt to no one," Luke said as he started. "Till t' master
cooms round there ain't no saying what he'd loike done. Maybe he
won't have nowt said aboot it."
The water was already hot when the party reached the cottage; the
blood was carefully washed off Ned's head, and a great swelling
with an ugly gash running across was shown. Cold water was dashed
in his face, and with a gasp he opened his eyes.
"It be all roight, Maister Ned," Luke said soothingly; "it be all
over now, and you be among vriends. Ye've had an ugly one on the
back o' thy head, but I dowt thou wilt do rarely now."
Ned looked round vaguely, then a look of intelligence came into
his face.
"Where is Bill?" he asked.
"He be hurted sorely, but oi think it be only loss o' blood, and
he will coom round again; best lie still a few minutes, maister,
thou wilt feel better then; Polly, she be tending Bill.
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