There is
a dry ox-hide down yonder; I go to make a shield.'
'That is an uncomfortable retainer of yours,' said Mr Mackenzie,
who had witnessed this extraordinary scene. 'He has frightened
Alphonse out of his wits; look!' and he pointed to the Frenchman,
who, with a scared white face and trembling limbs, was making
his way into the house. 'I don't think that he will ever laugh
at "le monsieur noir" again.'
'Yes,' answered I, 'it is ill jesting with such as he. When
he is roused he is like a fiend, and yet he has a kind heart
in his own fierce way. I remember years ago seeing him nurse
a sick child for a week. He is a strange character, but true
as steel, and a strong stick to rest on in danger.'
'He says he smells blood,' said Mr Mackenzie. 'I only trust
he is not right. I am getting very fearful about my little girl.
She must have gone far, or she would be home by now. It is
half-past three o'clock.'
I pointed out that she had taken food with her, and very likely
would not in the ordinary course of events return till nightfall;
but I myself felt very anxious, and fear that my anxiety betrayed
itself.
Shortly after this, the people whom Mr Mackenzie had sent out
to search for Flossie returned, stating that they had followed
the spoor of the donkey for a couple of miles and had then lost
it on some stony ground, nor could they discover it again.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93