51279    'Is the poor gentleman much hurt?' she asked.

51280    'He is dead,' cried several voices.

51281    'No, no, there's life in him,' shouted another.

51282    'But he'll be gone before you can get him to hospital.'

51283    'He's a brave fellow,' said a woman.

51284    'They would have had the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him.

51285    They were a gang, and a rough one, too.

51286    Ah, he's breathing now.'

51287    'He can't lie in the street.

51288    May we bring him in, marm?'

51289    'Surely.

51290    Bring him into the sitting-room.

51291    There is a comfortable sofa.

51292    This way, please!'

51293    Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge, and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window.