But they gave way before him with a certain rude respect and half abashed sympathy as McKinstry called him to his side.

The wounded man grasped his hand.

"Lift me up a bit," he whispered.

The master assisted him with difficulty to his elbow.
"Gentlemen!" said McKinstry, with a characteristic wave of his crippled hand towards the crowd as he laid the other on the master's shoulder.
"Ye heerd me talkin' a minit ago; ye heer me now.

This yer young man as we've slipped up on and meskalkilated has told the truth--every time! Ye ken tie to him whenever and wherever ye want to.