JOE. Of course I be! [_Sullenly._] She's more nor meat and drink to me; allus have been since the first I took to she. MATTHEW. All the more reason to beat her, and at once. [_Sternly._] You'll lose her, sure enough, if you don't. It's the only chance for thee now, and I do knaw I'm speaking gospel truth. [_A long pause, in which Joe meditates with a grave face. He suddenly snaps the fingers of his right hand as he says quickly._] JOE. I'll do it. It'll nearly be the finish of me, but if you're certain sure she'll love me more after it I'll shut my eyes and set my teeth and--and--yes, upon my soul, I'll do it! She'm more to me than all the world, and I'll save she and myself with her. But are you sure it will do any good? [_Matthew wrings Joe's hands and then slaps him on the back._] MATTHEW. I swear it, brother. [_Solemnly._] I've never once known it fail. JOE [_anxiously_]. Never once in all your travels? [_Matthew looks down._] MATTHEW. Iss, mate, once, sure enough, but the woman had never cared twopence for the man to start with. After it she left 'un altogether. JOE [_with a groan_]. Oh! Good Lord! MATTHEW. That was no fair start like a thing. See? JOE. No, to be sure. MATTHEW. Now! [_He strikes Joe's shoulder briskly._] Now for it! [_Joe twists round towards the door, and a miserable smile is on his lips._] JOE. Well, what now? [_Matthew bends down to Joe's ear and whispers._] MATTHEW. We must go and buy the cane. JOE. Sakes! MATTHEW. Bear up! It'll all be over by this time to-morrow night, and that's a great stand by, isn't it? JOE. I suppose it is. [_Gloomily._] Who'll be spokesman over the buyin'? MATTHEW. Me, my son. How far will 'e go i' price? [_Joe shakes his head and looks wearily at Matthew._] JOE. It's no odds to me, Matthey; I don't know and don't care! MATTHEW. Will sixpence ruin 'e? JOE. It's all ruin. I'm sweatin' like a bull with fear and shame, and wish I was dead and buried. [_Matthew points to the door and the two men move slowly towards it._] MATTHEW. It's just on nine o'clock. Kezia will be back afore we start if we don't mind. Don't stop to think when you come back, but rush right in and set at it at once, and she'll have time to come round before you settle for the night. Bein' Saturday night, all the neighbors be mostly i' town shoppin', and if there should be a scream I'll make up a yarn to any one who comes near as 'll stop all gossip. I shan't be far off till I reckon it's all over. [_Joe's teeth are set and his head down, and he gazes at the door and then at Matthew, irresolutely._] MATTHEW. Thee deserves to lose her if thee be real chicken-hearted like this 'ere. [_Joe makes a dart forward, unlatches the door, rushes out followed by Matthew._] MATTHEW [_outside_]. Go round by the croft and then we shan't meet her coming home.