`` That was your look-out when you insulted me , '' said I. `` It 's the truth ! '' cried Alan , and he stood for a moment , wringing his mouth in his hand like a man in sore perplexity . `` It 's the bare truth , '' he said , and drew his sword . But before I could touch his blade with mine , he had thrown it from him and fallen to the ground . `` Na , na , '' he kept saying , `` na , na -- I cannae , I cannae . '' At this the last of my anger oozed all out of me ; and I found myself only sick , and sorry , and blank , and wondering at myself . I would have given the world to take back what I had said ; but a word once spoken , who can recapture it ? I minded me of all Alan 's kindness and courage in the past , how he had helped and cheered and borne with me in our evil days ; and then recalled my own insults , and saw that I had lost for ever that doughty friend . At the same time , the sickness that hung upon me seemed to redouble , and the pang in my side was like a sword for sharpness . I thought I must have swooned where I stood . This it was that gave me a thought . No apology could blot out what I had said ; it was needless to think of one , none could cover the offence ; but where an apology was vain , a mere cry for help might bring Alan back to my side . I put my pride away from me . `` Alan ! '' I said ; `` if ye cannae help me , I must just die here . '' He started up sitting , and looked at me . `` It 's true , '' said I. `` I 'm by with it . O , let me get into the bield of a house -- I 'll can die there easier . '' I had no need to pretend ; whether I chose or not , I spoke in a weeping voice that would have melted a heart of stone . `` Can ye walk ? ''
asked XXXXX .
Alan Na bield days doughty house kindness look-out offence pang