So as soon as they had satisfied themselves of the fact, they departed, and came out together into the clear morning air.

The rain-clouds had broken, though when they had scrambled up out of the narrow little valley where the cottage stood, they found that the wind was still high and fierce, and that the sun was rising dimly through a yellow haze of driving scud.
They stepped out briskly, revived by the freshness of all around, and had made about half the distance home, when they descried a horseman coming slowly towards them.

It seemed an early time for any one to be abroad, and their surprise was increased at seeing that it was George Hawker returning home.
"Where can he have been so early ?" said the Doctor.
"So late, you mean," said the Vicar; "he has not been home all night.
Now I shall brace up my nerves and speak to him." "My good wishes go with you, Vicar," said the Doctor, and walked on, while the other stopped to speak with George Hawker.
"Good morning, Mr.Thornton.You are early a-foot, sir." "Yes, I have been sitting up all night with old Jewel.

He is dead." "Is he indeed, sir," said Hawker.

"He won't be much loss, sir, to the parish.