It wasn't much better after he had come, only for thinking Miss Anne would be safe.

My lamp went out, and I reckon I said "Our Father" over a hundred times.

Besides, I was wondering what was being done overhead.

I'll never be left behind anywhere again, I can tell ye.' 'Well,' said Stephen, 'my sheep and lambs don't know about the fire, and I must be off.

They'll want me just as bad as if I'd been in bed all night.' Still he could not help turning aside with Tim just for another glimpse of the smouldering ruins, looking so black and desolate in the daylight.
But after that he did not loiter a minute, and spent the rest of the morning in diligent attention to his duties, until, a little before mid-day, he saw the farmer who employed him riding across the sheep-walk; and when he ran forward to receive his orders, he bade him make haste and go home to prepare himself for appearing before the magistrate, to give his evidence against Black Thompson and his comrades.
When Stephen reached the cinder-hill cabin he found Tim there again, and Bess Thompson waiting to see him.