Every eye was fixed on me as I seated myself by a vacant table; and I
heard whisperings, with suspicious glances occasionally directed towards
the place where I sat. The company, however, soon began to get the
better of their consternation, and were evidently not pleased at so
unseasonable an interruption to their mirth. I found that some
explanation was necessary as to the cause of my intrusion, and with
difficulty made them comprehend the nature of my alarm. I craved their
assistance for the removal of the body; promising, if possible, to
conduct them to the spot where the miserable victim was thrown. They
stared at each other during this terrible announcement; and, at the
conclusion, I found every one giving his neighbour credit for the
requisite portion of courage, though himself, at the same time,
declining to participate in the hazards of the undertaking.
"Roger towed me 'at he stood i' th' churchyard, wi' shoon-bottoms
uppermost, looking for the wench he wur to wed through the windows. Ise
sure he'll make noa bauk at a bogle."
"Luk thee, Jim, I canna face the dead; but I wunna show my back to a
live fist, the best and the biggest o' the country-side--Wilt' smell, my
lad?"
Roger, mortified at this test of his courage, raised his clenched hand
in a half-threatening attitude.
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