Did he know more than he had said?
It was vain to ask.

Would he--do anything?
Ralph glanced at the little man: barrow-backed he was, as he had himself said.

No, the idea seemed monstrous.

The young man rose to go; he could not speak, but he took Sim's hand in his and held it.

Then he stooped and kissed him on the cheek.
* * * * * Next morning, soon after daybreak, all Wythburn was astir.