'"
Just then an enormous wheelbarrow was observed approaching, seemingly
by supernatural means, for no driver could be seen. The barrow was
piled to a great height, and staggered drunkenly from side to side of
the road; but the load, whatever it was, lay hidden beneath a large
white cloth.
"H'm!" said the little Doctor dubiously. "Well, of course, you know
best, but I should have thought that as an old inhabitant of Troy--"
"Pooh, my dear fellow," snapped the Admiral, "it is natural that the
feelings of a few will be hurt; but if once we begin to elect the
'Jolly Trojans'--"
The barrow had drawn near meanwhile, and now halted at the Admiral's
feet. From behind it stepped into view an exceeding small boy,
attired mainly in a gigantic pair of corduroys that reached to the
armpits, and were secured with string around the shoulders. His face
was a mask of woe, and he staunched his tears on a very grimy
shirt-sleeve as he stood and gazed mutely into the Admiral's face.
"Go away, boy!" said Admiral Buzza severely.
The boy sobbed loudly, but made no sign of moving.
"Go away, I tell you!"
"'Tes for you, sir."
"For me? What does the boy mean?"
"Iss, sir. Missusses orders that I was to bring et to Adm'ral
Buzza's; an' ef I don't pay out Billy Higgs for this nex' time I
meets wi' 'un--"
"The child's daft!" roared the Admiral.
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