"Wish I'd a drop o' that physic, now. Seems to stir a man up like, and give him strength. Nasty job, but I'm not skeared! It was fancy that night. If I'd had a drop o' doctor's stuff I shouldn't ha' seen that head going along above the pews. No, I'm not skeared; but will he see-- will he see?" The old man fidgeted about uneasily in his chair, and had to refill and relight his pipe. "Tchah! What would he know about 'em? How could he tell? Nobody but me's ever been down there, 'cept at funerals, and them as lives don't want 'em; they b'long to the dead. Dead don't want 'em, so they b'long to me. Ah!" "Why, Moredock, did I frighten you?" "Frighten me! No. Nothing frightens me; but you shouldn't come so sudden like upon a man." "You shouted as if you had been hurt. What makes you sit in the dark?" "'Cause I arn't afraid o' the dark," grumbled the old man. "Candles is candles, and costs money; don't they? Nobody gives me candles." "Well, are you ready?" "Ready? What for?" "No nonsense, man. I'm not to be trifled with." "Humph!" growled Moredock. "Brought that physic?" "Yes, of course." "Give's a drop, now. I'm about beat out. Hard work to-day." North took a bottle from his pocket and set it on the table. "Get a light, and you shall take a dose," he said. "Nay; I want no light. I can see to do all I want without a light." Moredock rose, went to a shelf, and took down a cup; the squeaking of the cork was followed by the gurgle of some fluid, and then there was a sound represented by the word "glug," and the sexton drew a long breath. "Hah! that puts life in a man," he said. "Be careful not to take too much." "Ay! don't be skeared, doctor; I know," said the old man. "One thumb deep. I've measured it times enough. I didn't leave a light. Might take attention. Young Joe Chegg gets hanging about. Thinks he wants my Polly, but he won't get her. Comes peeping in at this window sometimes to see if she's here. Now I'm ready." "Got everything you want?" said North. "Keys--lanthorn?" "Ay! Got everything I want; but have you got everything you want?" "Yes, man, yes." "And look here, doctor; mind this: it's your job, and you're making me do it." "What do you mean, sir?" "I mean as I arn't going to stand the racket if it's found out. Spose Parson Salis comes down upon me about it?" "I understand you now," said the doctor sternly; "and I promise to hold you free." "But it _is_ for money, isn't it, doctor?" said Moredock insinuatingly. "Money!" cried the doctor scornfully. "Do you think I would do this for money?" The old man made a curious sound in his throat, which might have been laughing, but it was impossible to say, and then led the way out of the cottage, merely closing the door after them, and going on towards the church.