'
Roland's brain was still bewildered, and he had many questions to ask
'Good night,' Nancy said, softly, 'I must be away. The Lifter will
tell you all about it.' When The Lifter reached his room Roland
noticed that his arm was in a sling, and learnt full tidings of the
attack upon the negro, and how the captain was absent from home in
pursuit of the prey. Joe Murfrey, who had been in league with the old
woman and Silent Poll, assisted by Rev. Mr. Jonas, had driven in the
earth-roof with a heavy log made like a pile driver. The conspirators
believed that The Lifter and Nancy were sleeping; 'and they will
never know,' concluded The Lifter, with a joyous chuckle, 'how you
got out.'
In the morning all save Roland had assembled about the breakfast-table,
and a sound of triumph was in the voice of the hag.
'The living cannot subsist by the dead,' murmured the Rev. Mr.
Jonas. 'Even though our poor brother lies ready-tombed we shall begin
our repast, thankful that _our_ unworthy lives still exercise
His care.'
'Here's brimstone and blazes to the whelp in hell,' shouted Murfrey,
as he swallowed nigh upon a tumbler of brandy.
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