He saw houses on each side, but kept on under the
impression that if he approached them they would vanish, and he also
conceived the idea that he must tread lightly or he would scare them
away. As he advanced through the village street, arguing with the paddle
that no real village was in sight, a light shining through a transom
over the door of some outbuilding, attracted his attention, and he
thought he might be in the vicinity of human beings. Hearing the sound
of voices he approached the door, listening. Then another mad thought
came to him, that he must make a desperate rush at the door and get
inside before it melted away. He did so, and the frail barrier gave way
before the pressure of his shoulder and he stumbled headlong into the
place. He disturbed several men who were drinking and playing at some
game and as he regained his feet he observed two of the men trying
to escape through a window, while the others seized chairs and benches
to repel an attack of what they imagined to be the Evil one.
"Molto malado!" cried Boyton.
At hearing this, the men gained confidence and put down their weapons.
"Medico? Albergo?" inquired the voyager.
One of the most intelligent of the party, said: "Ah, he wants a doctor
and a hotel.
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