He was standing by my fire, telling me
the various humours of the night, when a succession of shrieks ran
through the house. He dashed away to see what was the matter, and
returned, in a few seconds, saying that Selina had seen some one in
the garden, and neither she nor mamma would be satisfied without
examination--'though, of course, I know what it must be,' he added,
as he drew on his coat.
'Bill, are you coming?' said Griff at the door. 'You needn't, if
you don't like it. I bet it is your old friend.'
'I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm sure it is,' shouted Martyn from
behind, with the inconsistent addition, 'I've got my gun.'
'Enough to dispose of any amount of robbers or phantoms either,'
observed Griff as they went forth by the back door, reinforced by
Amos Bell with a lantern in one hand and a poker in the other.
My father was fortunately still asleep, and my mother came down to
see whether I was frightened.
She said she had no patience with Selina, and had left her to Emily
and her maid; but, before many words had been spoken, they all came
creeping down after her, feeling safety in numbers, or perhaps in
her entire fearlessness. The report of a gun gave us all a shock,
and elicited another scream or two. My mother, hoping that no one
was hurt, hastened into the hall, but only to meet Griff, hurrying
in laughing to reassure us with the tidings that it was only Martyn,
who had shot the old sun-dial by way of a robber; and he was
presently followed by the others, Martyn rather crestfallen, but
arguing with all his might that the sun-dial was exactly like a man;
and my mother hurried every one off upstairs without further
discussion.
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