When a sympathetic bystander had hauled her
out — sympathetic in the sense that he wanted
to see Bull " give the gal her change " in full —
the man strode up and hissed in her ear, —

" I '11 knife that buUy-rip o' yourn as sure 's
1 'm death on ' cats ; ' ay, an' wot 's more, I 'II
'ave you as my gal yet."

" Ay, Ned Bull," answered Madge, in a loud,
clear voice, while her great eyes flashed daunt-
less defiance, "that you will when the Pool's
run dry, an' I 'm squeaking like a rat in the
mud; but not afore that, b' 'elp me Gawd I"



98 Madge o' the Pool :

After this episode Madge knew that she would
have to be doubly on her guard. Ned Bull was
not a man to have as an enemy, particularly as
he knew weU where to strike Ihe only blow
she really feared. And, as it happened, her
fears ultimately proved to be only too well-
grounded; though some months passed in ap-
parent security.
