'The very same,' said Mark. 'How are you, sir?'
'I've had the fever very bad,' he answered faintly. 'I haven't stood
upright these many weeks. Those are your notions I see,' pointing to
their property.
'Yes, sir,' said Mark, 'they are. You couldn't recommend us some one as
would lend a hand to help carry 'em up to the--to the town, could you,
sir?'
'My eldest son would do it if he could,' replied the man; 'but today
he has his chill upon him, and is lying wrapped up in the blankets. My
youngest died last week.'
'I'm sorry for it, governor, with all my heart,' said Mark, shaking him
by the hand. 'Don't mind us. Come along with me, and I'll give you an
arm back. The goods is safe enough, sir'--to Martin--'there ain't many
people about, to make away with 'em. What a comfort that is!'
'No,' cried the man. 'You must look for such folk here,' knocking his
stick upon the ground, 'or yonder in the bush, towards the north. We've
buried most of 'em. The rest have gone away. Them that we have here,
don't come out at night.'
'The night air ain't quite wholesome, I suppose?' said Mark.
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