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To judge from that, he was a gallant, manly, handsome fellow, but he had lost his left arm. It had been taken off between the elbow and the shoulder, and his empty coat-sleeve hung across his breast. It was probably this circumstance which gave him an interest beyond any that his companion could boast of, and attracted Barnabys attention. There was something soldierly in his bearing, and he wore a jaunty cap and jacket. Perhaps he had been in the service at one time or other. If he had, it could not have been very long ago, for he was but a young fellow now. Well, well, he said thoughtfully; let the fault be where it may, it makes a man sorrowful to come back to old England, and see her in this condition. I suppose the pigs will join em next, said the sergeant, with an imprecation on the rioters, now that the birds have set em the example. The birds! repeated Tom Green. Ahbirds, said the sergeant testily; thats English, ant it? I dont know what you mean. Go to the guard-house, and see. Youll find a bird there, thats got their cry as pat as any of em, and bawls No Popery, like a manor like a devil, as he says he is. I shouldnt wonder. The devils loose in London somewhere. Damme if I wouldnt twist his neck round, on the chance, if I had my way. The young man had taken two or three steps away, as if to go and see this creature, when he was arrested by the voice of Barnaby. Its mine, he called out, half laughing and half weepingmy pet, my friend Grip. Ha ha ha! Dont hurt him, he has done no harm. I taught him; its my fault. Let me have him, if you please. Hes the only friend I have left now. Hell not dance, or talk, or whistle for you, I know; but he will for me, because he knows me and loves methough you wouldnt think itvery well. You wouldnt hurt a bird, Im sure. Youre a brave soldier, sir, and wouldnt harm a woman or a childno, no, nor a poor bird, Im certain. This latter adjuration was addressed to the sergeant, whom Barnaby judged from his red coat to be high in office, and able to seal Grips destiny by a word. But that gentleman, in reply, surlily damned him for a thief and rebel as he was, and with many disinterested imprecations on his own eyes, liver, blood, and body, assured him that if it rested with him to decide, he would put a final stopper on the bird, and his master too. You talk boldly to a caged man, said Barnaby, in anger. If I was on the other side of the door and there were none to part us, youd change your noteay, you may toss your headyou would! Kill the birddo. Kill anything you can, and so revenge yourself on those who with their bare hands untied could do as much to you! Having vented his defiance, he flung himself into the furthest corner of his prison, and muttering, Good bye, Gripgood bye, dear old Grip! shed tears for the first time since he had been taken captive; and hid his face in the straw. He had had some fancy at first, that the one-armed man would help him, or would give him a kind word in answer. He hardly knew why, but he hoped and thought so. The young fellow had stopped when he called out, and checking himself in the very act of turning round, stood listening to every word he said. Perhaps he built his feeble trust on this; perhaps on his being young, and having a frank and honest manner. However that might be, he built on sand. The other went away directly he had finished speaking, and neither answered him, nor returned. No matter. They were all against him here: he might have known as much. Good bye, old Grip, good bye! |
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