Kitabı oku: «The Old Curiosity Shop / Лавка древностей», sayfa 13
16
Another bright day awoke her. The old man woke up and dressed. They all sat down to eat together.
“And where are you going today?” said the little man.
“Indeed I hardly know, we have not determined yet,” replied the child.
“We’re going on to the races,” said the little man. “If that’s your way and you like to have us for company, let us travel together.”
“We’ll go with you,” said the old man. “Nell, with them, with them.”
The real name of the little man wasHarris45, but everybody called him Trotters46, which, with the prefatory adjective, Short, showed the small size of his legs. So Short Trotters47 was used in formal conversations and on occasions of ceremony48.
The breakfast was over, and Mr. Codlin called the bill. They took farewell of the landlord and landlady and resumed their journey.
Mr. Codlintrudged heavily on49, exchanging a word or two at intervals with Short, and stopping to rest and growl occasionally. Short led the way; with the box, the private luggage tied up in a bundle, and a brazen trumpet. Nell and her grandfather walked next him, and Thomas Codlin brought up the rear.
When they came to any town or village, or even to a house of good appearance, Short blew a blast upon the brazen trumpet. If people hurried to the windows, Mr. Codlin hastily unfurled the drapery and concealed Short therewith. Then the entertainment began as soon as might be. After that they resumed their load and on they went again. They were generally well received, and seldom left a town without a troop of childrenshouting at their heels50.
17
The Jolly Sandboys51 was a small roadside inn52 of pretty ancient date. The travellers arrived, drenched with the rain and presenting a most miserable appearance. The landlord rushed into the kitchen and took the cover off53. The effect was magical. They all came in with smiling faces though the wet was dripping from their clothes upon the floor, and Short’s first remark was, “What a delicious smell!”
It is not very difficult to forget rain and mud by the side of a cheerful fire, and in a bright room. They were given slippers and dry garments. Nelly and the old man sat by the fire and fell asleep.
“Who are they?” whispered the landlord.
Short shook his head.
“Don’t you know?” asked the host, turning to Mr. Codlin.
“Not I,” he replied. “They’re no good, I suppose.”
“They’re no harm,” said Short. “And I tell you: the old man isn’tin his right mind54. They’re not used to this way of life. Don’t tell me that that handsome child has been in the habit of prowling about55.”
“Well, who does tell you she has?” growled Mr. Codlin.
“Hear me out, the old man ran away from his relatives and took this delicate young creature to be his guide and companion. Now I’mnot a going to stand that56.”
“You’re not a going to stand that!” cried Mr. Codlin, pulling his hair with both hands.
“I,” repeated Short emphatically and slowly, “am not a going to stand it. I am not a going to see this fair young child in an inappropriate company. Therefore I shall take measures for detaining of them, and restoring them to their relatives.”
“Short,” said Mr. Codlin, “it’s possible that there may be good sense in what you’ve said. If there is, and there can be a reward, Short, remember that we’re partners in everything!”
His companion nodded, and the child awoke at the instant.
