1] THE LOST PRINCE. 41

 

moment, but I feel sure that we shall get out of the
difficulty if it arises. Let us go boldly on, and hope for
the best; see how Pincher is showing his teeth in a
pleasant manner, and wagging his tail at the same
time. I know se approves—don’t you, Pincher ?’

A low whine from the little animal was perfectly
understood by the sisters to signify ‘Yes—but be
cautious, and they were about to continue their
conversation, when it was prevented by another inci-
dent. The roll.of a drum was heard not far in front ;
then the shrill blast of a trumpet, and the heavy tread
of men marching, betokened the approach of some
military body. The sisters paused, in doubt as to what
they had better do, and in another moment a cloud
of dust showed that the force, whatever it might be,
was close at hand. Round the corner of the road
there presently turned the drummers, vigorously drum-
ming away as they came on, and then followed a band
of mixed instruments, making clamour enough to make
the two ladies stop their ears and wish themselves a
thousand miles off, inasmuch as the noise was not
relieved by tune or harmony. Then, marching four
abreast, came a body of men all above the usual
height, dressed in white tunics, bare from the knee
to the feet, which were shod with thick sandals, and
carrying in their hands axes which rested upon their
brawny shoulders. They were a rough-looking set of
soldiers, but not so rough as the person who followed.
In an open car, larger than any car that ever was
made before or since, and drawn by eight immense
black horses, sat the Giant Pattle-perry: he was at
least ten feet high; his head was in proportion as