The menials and the garrison had no doubt but he talked to
his familiar spirit. Of their superiors, mistress Watson at least
was of the same conviction. Then he bent his ear towards it as if he
were listening, and it began to flutter its wings, at which sir
Toby's faith in him began to waver. A moment more and he cast the
creature from him. It flew aloft, traversed the whole length of the
roof, and vanished.
It had in fact, as its master willed, alighted in the farthest
corner of the roof, a little dark recess. Then, bowing low to his
father, the magician stepped down from the dais, and walked through
a lane of awe-struck domestics and soldiery to the door, where Tom
stood waiting his approach. The fool was in a strange flutter of
feelings, a conflict of pride and terror, the latter of which would,
but for the former, have unnerved him quite; for not only was he
doubtful of the magician's intent with regard to himself, but the
hall seemed now the only place of security, and all outside it given
over to goblins or worse.
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