"
Gregory paid more deference to him now than aforetime, having conceived
a most profound respect for his attributes, both physical and mental,
since his former visit.
"He is himself either some wondrous enchanter," thought he, "or, at any
rate, minister or familiar to some mighty wizard, who hath his
dwelling-place in this subterraneous abode."
"I have a message here to my lord," said he aloud, handing him the
billet at arm's length, with a mighty show of deference and respect. The
uncourteous dwarf took the writing, and left Gregory in darkness again
to await his return. He shook at every joint, while the minutes seemed
an age. Again the light flickered on the damp walls, and the mysterious
being approached. He addressed the envoy with his usual grin of
contempt.
"Tell the lady, my master be glad. He will leap from his prison by
to-morrow, as she say, and appear at dinner."
"The dickons he will," said Gregory, as he clambered up the ascent, not
without imminent jeopardy, so anxious was he to escape.
"This is a fearful message to master," thought he, as he leapt out
joyfully into the buoyant air: "but at any rate I'll now be quit o' the
job.
Pages:
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924