Barnaby was so intent upon his favourite, that he was not at first
aware of the approach of two persons on horseback, who were riding at a
foot-pace, and coming straight towards his post. When he perceived them,
however, which he did when they were within some fifty yards of him, he
jumped hastily up, and ordering Grip within doors, stood with both hands
on his staff, waiting until he should know whether they were friends or
foes.
He had hardly done so, when he observed that those who advanced were a
gentleman and his servant; almost at the same moment he recognised Lord
George Gordon, before whom he stood uncovered, with his eyes turned
towards the ground.
'Good day!' said Lord George, not reining in his horse until he was
close beside him. 'Well!'
'All quiet, sir, all safe!' cried Barnaby. 'The rest are away--they went
by that path--that one. A grand party!'
'Ay?' said Lord George, looking thoughtfully at him. 'And you?'
'Oh! They left me here to watch--to mount guard--to keep everything
secure till they come back. I'll do it, sir, for your sake. You're a
good gentleman; a kind gentleman--ay, you are. There are many against
you, but we'll be a match for them, never fear!'
'What's that?' said Lord George--pointing to the raven who was peeping
out of the stable-door--but still looking thoughtfully, and in some
perplexity, it seemed, at Barnaby.
Pages:
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756