It will bear his body, miss, to wherever duty calls him. It
will always bear him to an honourable life, or a brave death."
"Heaven bless you!" says she, touching my arm. "I know it. Heaven bless
you!"
Mrs. Belltott surprised me by trembling and saying nothing. They were
still standing looking towards the sea and listening, after the relief
had come round. It continuing very dark, I asked to be allowed to take
them back. Miss Maryon thanked me, and she put her arm in mine, and I
did take them back. I have now got to make a confession that will appear
singular. After I had left them, I laid myself down on my face on the
beach, and cried for the first time since I had frightened birds as a boy
at Snorridge Bottom, to think what a poor, ignorant, low-placed, private
soldier I was.
It was only for half a minute or so. A man can't at all times be quite
master of himself, and it was only for half a minute or so. Then I up
and went to my hut, and turned into my hammock, and fell asleep with wet
eyelashes, and a sore, sore heart. Just as I had often done when I was a
child, and had been worse used than usual.
I slept (as a child under those circumstances might) very sound, and yet
very sore at heart all through my sleep.
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