Ever and again he would toss up his chin with a shrill
guffaw, or stoop his head till his eyeballs were almost hidden
beneath their thick lashes, so regarding me for minutes together with
a delightful simulation of intelligence, yet with that peculiar
wistful affection his master had himself exhibited at first sight of
me.
But when our meal was done, Mr. Gulliver ordered him about his
business. Without a murmur, with one last, long, brotherly glance at
me, he withdrew. And presently after I heard from afar his high,
melancholy "cooee," and the crack of his thong in the afternoon air as
he hastened out to his charges.
My companion did not stir. Only the flames waved silently along the
logs. The beam of sunlight drew across the floor. The crisp air of the
pasture flowed through the window. What wonder, then, that, sitting on
my stool, I fell asleep!
VIII
_If I see all, ye're nine to ane!_
--OLD BALLAD.
I was awoke by a sustained sound as of an orator speaking in an
unknown tongue, and found myself in a sunny-shadowy loft, whither I
suppose I must have been carried in my sleep.
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