Of all this Barnabas was heedful, but he was
wholly unaware of the figure that dogged him from behind, following
him step by step, patient and persistent. Thus, at last, Barnabas
reached a certain narrow alley, beyond which was the River, dark,
mysterious, and full of sighs and murmurs. And, being come to the
door of Nick the Cobbler, he knocked upon it with his stick.
It was opened, almost immediately, by Clemency herself.
"I saw you coming," she said, giving him her hand, and so led him
through the dark little shop, into the inner room.
"I came as soon as I could. Clemency."
"Yes, I knew you would come," she answered, with bowed head.
"I am here to take you away to a cottage I have found for you--a
place in the country, where you will be safe until I can find and
bring your father to you."
As he ended, she lifted her head and looked at him through gathering
tears.
"How good--how kind of you!" she said, very softly, "and oh, I thank
you, indeed I do--but--"
"But, Clemency?"
"I must stay--here."
"In this awful place! Why?"
Clemency flushed, and looking down at the table, began to pleat a
fold in the cloth with nervous fingers.
Pages:
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646