One of the little ones had seen Ned coming along the road and had run off to tell her.

Little Jane Marner trotted along by Polly's side.
"Good morning, Polly!" Ned said, and walked on.

He dreaded speech with any one.

Polly saw his intention and hesitated; then she said: "Good morning, Master Ned! One moment, please, sir." Ned paused irresolutely.
"Please don't say anything," he began.
"No, sir, I am not a-going to--at least--" and then she hesitated, and lifted up the child, who was about four years old, a soft eyed, brown haired little maiden.
"It's little Jenny," she said; "you know sir, you know;" and she looked meaningly at the child as the tears stood in her eyes.
Ned understood at once.
"What!" he said; "was it her?
I did not know; I had not heard." "Yes, sir; she and all of us owe her life to him.

Feyther wanted to come down to you, but I said better not yet awhile, you would understand." "How did it happen ?" Ned said, feeling that here at least his wound would be touched with no rough hand.
"She went down to the town with Jarge, who was going to fetch some things I wanted.