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 Alan . `` No , '' said I , `` not without help . This last hour my legs have been fainting under me ; I 've a stitch in my side like a red-hot iron ; I cannae breathe right . If I die , ye 'll can forgive me , Alan ? In my heart , I liked ye fine -- even when I was the angriest . '' `` Wheesht , wheesht ! '' cried Alan . `` Dinna say that ! David man , ye ken -- '' He shut his mouth upon a sob .
`` Let me XXXXX my arm about ye , '' he continued ; `` that 's the way !
cover cried gave get let liked pretend sob started think