When she came on Thursday to take him away, he was a little better. The clerk's wife was chattering; the great navvy lay in the corner, still as a block of stone. Esther often looked at him and wondered if he had no friend who could spare an hour to come and see him. "I was beginning to think that you wasn't coming," said William. "He's that restless," said the clerk's wife; "asking the time every three or four minutes." "How could you think that?" said Esther. "I dun know... you're a bit late, aren't you?" "It often do make them that restless," said the clerk's wife. "But my poor old man is quiet enough--aren't you, dear?" The dying clerk could not answer, and the woman turned again to Esther. "And how do you find him to-day?" "Much the same.... I think he's a bit better; stronger, don't yer know. But this weather is that trying. I don't know how it was up your way, but down my way I never seed such a fog. I thought I'd have to turn back." At that moment the baby began to cry, and the woman walked up and down the ward, rocking it violently, talking loud, and making a great deal of noise. But she could not quiet him.... "Hungry again," she said. "I never seed such a child for the breast," and she sat down and unbuttoned her dress. When the young doctor entered she hurriedly covered herself; he begged her to continue, and spoke about her little boy. She showed him a scar on his throat. He had been suffering, but it was all right now. The doctor glanced at the breathless father. "A little better to-day, thank you, doctor." "That's all right;" and the doctor went over to William. "Are you still determined to leave the hospital?" he said. "Yes, I want to go home. I want to--" "You'll find this weather very trying; you'd better--" "No, thank you, sir. I should like to go home. You've been very kind; you've done everything that could be done for me. But it's God's will.... My wife is very grateful to you, too." "Yes, indeed, I am, sir. However am I to thank you for your kindness to my husband?' "I'm sorry I couldn't do more. But you'll want the sister to help you to dress him. I'll send her to you." When they got him out of bed, Esther was shocked at the spectacle of his poor body. There was nothing left of him. His poor chest, his wasted ribs, his legs gone to nothing, and the strange weakness, worst of all, which made it so hard for them to dress him. At last it was nearly done: Esther laced one boot, the nurse the other, and, leaning on Esther's arm, he looked round the room for the last time. The navvy turned round on his bed and said-- "Good-bye, mate." "Good-bye.... Good-bye, all." The clerk's little son clung to his mother's skirt, frightened at the weakness of so big a man. "Go and say good-bye to the gentleman." The little boy came forward timidly, offering his hand. William looked at the poor little white face; he nodded to the father and went out.