While my heart beats , it 'll be true to you . '' `` And I , '' said Dick , `` that never cared a straw for any manner of woman until now , I took to you when I thought ye were a boy . I had a pity to you , and knew not why . When I would have belted you , the hand failed me . But when ye owned ye were a maid , Jack -- for still I will call you Jack -- I made sure ye were the maid for me . Hark ! '' he said , breaking off -- `` one cometh . '' And indeed a heavy tread was now audible in the echoing passage , and the rats again fled in armies . Dick reconnoitred his position . The sudden turn gave him a post of vantage . He could thus shoot in safety from the cover of the wall . But it was plain the light was too near him , and , running some way forward , he set down the lamp in the middle of the passage , and then returned to watch . Presently , at the far end of the passage , Bennet hove in sight . He seemed to be alone , and he carried in his hand a burning torch , which made him the better mark . `` Stand , Bennet ! '' cried Dick . `` Another step , and y ' are dead . '' `` So here ye are , '' returned Hatch , peering forward into the darkness . `` I see you not . Aha !
y ' ` ave done wisely , XXXXX ; y ' ` ave put your lamp before you .
Aha Bennet Dick Hatch Jack cover end pity rats turn