The magistrate interposed and begged him to at least let O'Connell
rest there until a doctor could patch him up. It might be dangerous
to take him back without medical treatment. He assured Nathaniel
that the moment they could move him he would be lodged in the
county-jail.
Nathaniel went back to his study as the sorry procession passed on
to the front door.
He sent immediately for his sister.
The reply came back that she would see him at dinner.
He commanded her to come to him at once.
In a few minutes Angela came into the room. She was deathly pale.
Her voice trembled as she spoke:
"What do you want?"
"Why did you bring that man here?"
"Because he is wounded."
"Such scoundrels are better dead."
"I don't think so. Nor do I think him a scoundrel."
"He came here to attack landlords--to attack ME. ME! And YOU bring
him to MY house and with that RABBLE. It's outrageous! Monstrous!"
"I couldn't leave him with those heartless wretches to die in their
hands."
"He leaves here the moment a doctor has attended him."
"Very well. Is that all?"
"No, it isn't!" Kingsnorth tried to control his anger. After a pause
he continued:
"I want no more of these foolhardy, quixotic actions of yours. I've
heard of your visiting these wretched people--going into fever dens.
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