Recollecting, at the
same moment, the other and far different visions of that
extraordinary night, he gave his dog a signal, which he instantly
understood, and, returning to the standard, laid himself down
beside it with a stifled growl.
The little, distorted miniature of humanity, assured of his
safety from an enemy so formidable, came panting up the ascent,
which the shortness of his legs rendered laborious, and, when he
arrived on the platform at the top, shifted to his left hand the
little crossbow, which was just such a toy as children at that
period were permitted to shoot small birds with, and, assuming an
attitude of great dignity, gracefully extended his right hand to
Sir Kenneth, in an attitude as if he expected he would salute it.
But such a result not following, he demanded, in a sharp and
angry tone of voice, "Soldier, wherefore renderest thou not to
Nectabanus the homage due to his dignity? Or is it possible that
thou canst have forgotten him?"
"Great Nectabanus," answered the knight, willing to soothe the
creature's humour, "that were difficult for any one who has ever
looked upon thee.
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