'Announce the Punch and Judy,' he entreated me, in a low voice. I did so
in a little speech, and was forthwith borne aloft, through the street to
the booth, followed by the whole crowd, cheering like mad.
The excitement of the crowd caught me, and for an hour I squeaked and
worked the wires of the immortal and unhappy family in a manner hitherto
unapproached by me at least. I was glad enough when Graeme came to tell
me to send the men in to dinner. This Mr. Punch did in the most
gracious manner, and again with cheers for Punch's master they trooped
tumultuously into the tent.
We had only well begun when Baptiste came in quietly but hurriedly and
whispered to me--
'M'sieu Craig, he's gone to Slavin's, and would lak you and M'sieu
Graeme would follow queek. Sandy he's take one leel drink up at de
stable, and he's go mad lak one diable.'
I sent him for Graeme, who was presiding at dinner, and set off for
Slavin's at a run. There I found Mr. Craig and Nelson holding Sandy,
more than half drunk, back from Slavin, who, stripped to the shirt, was
coolly waiting with a taunting smile.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61