but then the wicked wee cur escaped-and i 'm sure i 've no idea how 't was done , for i 'd have sworn he was in no condition even to rise from the bed , let alone come so far , but he did , and threw himself upon your wife 's mercy , and she took him up-i would have dragged his evil carcass away myself , but she wouldna have it- '' here she darted a briefly resentful glance at me , but returned an imploring gaze to jamie almost at once .