And Cluffe thought how patiently she heard him,
though he was conscious 'twas rather tedious, and one time very like
another. But then, 'twasn't the talk, but the talker; and he was glad,
at all risks, to help poor Puddock out of his disgrace, like a generous
soul, as he was.
CHAPTER LIX.
TELLING HOW A COACH DREW UP AT THE ELMS, AND TWO FINE LADIES, DRESSED
FOR THE BALL, STEPPED IN.
It was now more than a fortnight since Sturk's mishap in the Butcher's
Wood, and he was still alive, but still under the spell of coma. He was
sinking, but very slowly; yet it was enough to indicate the finality of
that 'life in death.'
Dangerfield once or twice attacked Toole rather tartly about Sturk's
case.
'Can nothing be done to make him speak? Five minutes' consciousness
would unravel the mystery.'
Then Toole would shrug, and say, 'Pooh--pooh! my dear Sir, you know
nothing.'
'Why, there's _life_!'
'Ay, the mechanical functions of life, but the brain's over-powered,'
replied Toole, with a wise frown.
'Well, relieve it.'
'By Jupiter, Sir, you make me laugh,' cried Toole with a grin, throwing
up his eyebrows.
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