"Here I am, you see. But I have taken a liberty, I fear, since
leaving you."
"Eh? What have you been doing?" Captain Runacles inquired.
"Why, sir, perceiving that your friend was but lately recovered from
an illness, and remembering that though the distance to the House in
the Wood is but two miles or less, the distance there and back is
almost four, I have brought him a litter. Perhaps I did wrong?"
He pointed to the litter, which two men in blue blouses were bringing
across the road.
"Not at all, sir. On the contrary, your thoughtfulness puts me to
shame," answered Captain Runacles, with something like a blush.
Captain Barker also thanked him, and added, "Decidedly, it might be
Tristram's very self"--a remark which the young officer did not
understand in the least. But he smiled happily. The mere pleasure
of doing a kindness and finding it appreciated was so strong in this
youth that he almost regretted he had not sacrificed a fortnight's
pay and hired a chariot and six horses.
Captain Barker climbed into the litter, and the party set out at a
leisurely pace, which brought them to the park gates in a little more
than half an hour. A couple of sentries kept guard here, and within
the lodge a dozen others were playing at dominoes and laughing like
children.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233