But they must, when they've finished their food."

"He says they've got such lots. They've been at work, he says, for
twenty miles round, as he knows, and they've stored up sacks of meal and
corn, and sides of bacon, and hams, and pickle-tubs of pork. There
aren't no end to the stuff they've got, and then they've plenty of good
water, both warm and cold."

"Oh, don't talk about it," cried Mark; "it makes me feel as bad as can
be."

Dummy settled down into the mood which originated his name during the
rest of the way, and the lads parted as they reached the Tor, Dummy to
go down the steps to the mine to see how everything looked, and report
to his father upon his return, and Mark to hurry up to his room, where
Ralph Darley lay insensible still, and where he had a very warm
reception from his sister and Master Rayburn.

"Then you have taken the place at last, Mark," cried Mary.

"No," said the lad, frowning, "and we're not likely to take it. I say,
Master Rayburn, isn't he a long time getting better?"

"Yes," said the old man gravely, "and perhaps after all it is a mercy
that he remains insensible. Poor fellow! it would be horrible for him,
in his weak state, to lie fretting because he could not go to the help
of his father and sister."

Mark conveyed his message about Sir Edward's intentions for the
following day, and he was bending down over the sufferer's pillow,
thinking how very much he was changed, when there was a tap at the door,
and an announcement that Dummy Rugg must see Master Mark directly.

"I must go, Mary," said Mark excitedly. "Some one has come over after
us."

"Oh Mark!" cried the girl, looking startled, and clinging to him.

"Don't do that," cried the lad. "Be brave; I'll take all the care I
can."

"Yes," said Master Rayburn to him, with a sad smile, "you will take all
the care you can. I know what you are, Mark, but do try, boy, not to be
rash."

Mark promised, and hurried down and out into the courtyard; but there
was no Dummy visible till he had passed the second, and found him seated
on a block of stone, whistling, and swinging his legs to and fro.

"What is it? some one come to fetch us?" cried Mark excitedly.

"No: nobody aren't come," said the boy, looking at him fixedly.

"Then why did you send for me?" cried Mark angrily.

"'Cause I wanted you, Master Mark, very bad indeed."

"Here, what do you mean? What's the matter with you?"

"Got the thinks, very bad."

"Du