They stood silent till Power said, in ejaculations of intense emphasis, "Thank God!"--and then pointing downwards with a shudder, "Oh, Walter!" and then once again, "Thank God!"--which Walter and Kenrick echoed; and then they passed on without another word. But those two words, so uttered, were enough. The man, who was more than repaid by the sense that he had rendered them a most important aid, and who had been greatly fascinated by their _manly_ bearing, entirely refused to take any money in payment for what he had done. "Nay, nay," he said; "we poor folks are proud too, and I won't have none of your money, young gentlemen. But let me tell you that you've had a very narrow escape of your lives out there, and I don't doubt you'll thank the good God for it with all your hearts this night; and if you'll just say a prayer for old Giles, too, he'll vally it more than all your monies. So now, good-night to you, young gentlemen, for you know your way now easy enough. And if ever you come this way again, maybe you'll come in and have a chat for remembrance sake." "Thank you, Giles, that we will," said the boys. "And since you won't take any money you'll let me give you this," said Walter. "You _must_ let me give you this; it's not worth much, but it'll show you that Walter Evson didn't forget the good turn you did us." And he forced on the old shepherd's acceptance a handsome knife, with several strong blades, which he happened to have in his pocket; while Power and Kenrick, after a rapid whispered consultation, promised to bring him in a few days a first-rate plaid to serve him as a slight reminder of their gratitude for his ready kindness. Then they all shook hands with many thanks, and the three boys, eager to find sympathy in their perils and deliverance, hastened to Saint Winifred's, which they reached at eight o'clock, just when their absence was beginning to cause the most serious anxiety.