'Oi haught t'a done better. Oi'm hawful sorry oi went back on 'Im.
Hit was the lemonaide. The boys didn't mean no 'arm--but hit started the 'ell hinside.'
Geordie hurled out some bitter words.
'Don't be 'ard on 'em, Geordie; they didn't mean no 'arm,' he said, and his eyes kept waiting till Geordie said hurriedly--'Na! na! lad--a'll juist leave them till the Almichty.'
Then Mrs. Mavor sang softly, smoothing his hand, 'Just as I am,'
and Billy dozed quietly for half an hour.
When he awoke again his eyes turned to Mr. Craig, and they were troubled and anxious.
'Oi tried 'ard. Oi wanted to win,' he struggled to say. By this time Craig was master of himself, and he answered in a clear, distinct voice--'Listen, Billy! You made a great fight, and you are going to win yet. And besides, do you remember the sheep that got lost over the mountains?'--this parable was Billy's special delight--'He didn't beat it when He got it, did he? He took it in His arms and carried it home. And so He will you.'
And Billy, keeping his eyes fastened on Mr. Craig, simply said--'Will 'E?'
'Sure!' said Craig.
'Will 'E?' he repeated, turning his eyes upon Mrs. Mavor.
'Why, yes, Billy,' she answered cheerily, though the tears were streaming from her eyes. 'I would, and He loves you far more.'
He looked at her, smiled, and closed his eyes. I put my hand on his heart; it was fluttering feebly. Again a troubled look passed over his face.
'My--poor--hold--mother,' he whispered, 'she's--hin--the--wukus.'
'I shall take care of her, Billy,' said Mrs. Mavor, in a clear voice, and again Billy smiled. Then he turned his eyes to Mr.
Craig, and from him to Geordie, and at last to Mrs. Mavor, where they rested. She bent over and kissed him twice on the forehead.
'Tell 'er,' he said, with difficulty, "E's took me 'ome.'
'Yes, Billy!' she cried, gazing into his glazing eyes. He tried to lift her hand. She kissed him again. He drew one deep breath and lay quite still.
'Thank the blessed Saviour!' said Mr. Craig, reverently. 'He has taken him home.'
But Mrs. Mavor held the dead hand tight and sobbed out passionately, 'Oh, Billy, Billy! you helped me once when I needed help! I cannot forget!'
And Geordie, groaning, 'Ay, laddie, laddie,' passed out into the fading light of the early evening.
Next day no one went to work, for to all it seemed a sacred day.
They carried him into the little church, and there Mr. Craig spoke of his long, hard fight, and of his final victory; for he died without a fear, and with love to the men who, not knowing, had been his death. And there was no bitterness in any heart, for Mr. Craig read the story of the sheep, and told how gently He had taken Billy home; but, though no word was spoken, it was there the League was made again.
They laid him under the pines, beside Lewis Mavor; and the miners threw sprigs of evergreen into the open grave. When Slavin, sobbing bitterly, brought his sprig, no one stopped him, though all thought it strange.
As we turned to leave the grave, the light from the evening sun came softly through the gap in the mountains, and, filling the valley, touched the trees and the little mound beneath with glory.
And I thought of that other glory, which is brighter than the sun, and was not sorry that poor Billy's weary fight was over; and Icould not help agreeing with Craig that it was there the League had its revenge.
