One comfort, I've got Sophy: she is very
dependable, and no beauty, thank my stars."
That night, the last they had to travel, was cloudy, for a wonder, and
they groped with lanterns.
Ucatella and her child brought up the rear. Presently there was a light
pattering behind them. The swift-eared Ucatella clutched Christopher's
arm, and turning round, pointed back, with eyeballs white and rolling.
There were full a dozen animals following them, whose bodies seemed
colorless as shadows, but their eyes little balls of flaming lime-light.
"GUN!" said Christie, and gave the Kafir's arm a pinch. She flew to the
caravan; he walked backwards, facing the foe. The wagon was halted,
and Dick ran back with two loaded rifles. In his haste he gave one
to Christopher, and repented at leisure; but Christopher took it,
and handled it like an experienced person, and said, with delight,
"VOLUNTEER." But with this the cautious animals had vanished like
bubbles. But Dick told Christopher they would be sure to come back; he
ordered Ucatella into the wagon, and told her to warn Phoebe not to
be frightened if guns should be fired. This soothing message brought
Phoebe's white face out between the curtains, and she implored them to
get into the wagon, and not tempt Providence.
Pages:
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390