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Just then the answer came in the form they least expected, for a sound of many voices in clamorous talk suddenly broke on their ears. The speakers, whoever they might be, were still distant, and the formation of the ground prevented our travellers being seen by them. "Savages!" exclaimed Mark and Hockins in the same breath.
She has agreed to fly with Ravonino " "Have you seen Ravonino lately?" asked Hockins. "No I have not seen him lately." "How, then, do you know he will be ready?" "Because," said Mark, with a peculiar look, "I have been smitten with his complaint, and know that it runs the same course and exhibits the same phases in most men.
He is very useful in assisting me with my medicines, and " "Yes, yes," interrupted the Queen, "let him go with you by all means. He shall have bearers if you choose. And take yon other man also with his music. I love his little pipe!" In some excitement Mark went off to tell his comrades the news which Hockins received with a grunt of satisfaction, and the negro with a burst of joy.
The Secretary, acting his part well, stalked with grand solemnity down the streets towards the western gate of the city. His four friends followed. Every one made way. Hockins and the negro, not knowing what they might be called on to do, took the first opportunity that presented, each to seize and carry off a garden-stake, as a substitute for cudgel or quarter-staff.
"No, my friend, we are not," said the Secretary, "our only hope, now, is in God." "It seems to me," rejoined Ravonino, "that God is our only hope at all times whether in danger or in safety; but He makes it plain just now that our duty, as well as our wisdom, lies in quiet submission." Ebony received this remark with a groan, and Hockins with something like a growl.
"I'll give you a wide berth, then, for it's as like as not that you'll stick some o' the hunters in the dark," said Hockins, rising, for just then there was a stir in the camp as if preparation was being made to go out.
"Now then, the question is, sir, Wot are we a-goin' for to do?" said Hockins. "Ay, dat's de question," added Ebony with much force, and more than Shakespearean brevity. "Well now, lads," said Mark, "I've been thinking over that, and it seems to me that there's not much to choose between.
But one thing I did which showed some little foresight. For every body said that I was much too young to take such a journey all by myself, and "what every body says must be right," whenever there is no exception to prove the rule. "Aunt Marys" are not to be found every day, nor even Major Hockins; and this again helped to throw me back in getting away from England.
He led them as he spoke to a sequestered spot near a coppice which partially guarded them from public gaze on three sides, and on the fourth side afforded them a charming view of the gardens, the gay assemblage, and the country beyond. At first both Hockins and Ebony hesitated to sit down to breakfast with so distinguished a person as an Under-Secretary of State.
These, strange to say, instead of gazing at them in idle curiosity, seemed to regard them with some show of respect. "Hold on, sir," said Hockins, coming to an abrupt halt, "you know that feller told us to wait for victuals, and I am uncommon disposed for them victuals; for, to say truth, the trifle of rice they gave us this mornin' was barely enough to satisfy an average rat.
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