He would.

But would he swear dagont?

He swore dagont; and then Tommy had him. As he was so sure of it, he
could not object to Tommy's being the one who dropped the ticket out at
the window?

Shovel did object for a time, but after a wrangle he gave up the ticket,
intending to take it from Tommy when primed with the necessary tale. So
they parted until evening, and Tommy returned to Elspeth, secretive but
elated. For the rest of the day he was in thought, now waggling his head
smugly over some dark, unutterable design and again looking a little
scared. In growing alarm she watched his face, and at last she slipped
upon her knees, but he had her up at once and said, reproachfully:

"It were me as teached yer to pray, and now yer prays for me! That's
fine treatment!"

Nevertheless, after his mother's return, just before he stole out to
join Shovel, he took Elspeth aside and whispered to her, nervously:

"You can pray for me if you like, for, oh, Elspeth; I'm thinking as I'll
need it sore!" And sore he needed it before the night was out.




CHAPTER VIII