Chapter 57 - Page 2

on, Barnaby, who had no directions forbidding him to eat and drink upon his post, but had been, on the contrary, supplied with a bottle of beer and a basket of provisions, determined to break his fast, which he had not done since morning. To this end, he sat down on the ground before the door, and putting his staff across his knees in case of alarm or surprise, summoned Grip to dinner.

This call, the bird obeyed with great alacrity; crying, as he sidled up to his master, a€˜Ia€™m a devil, Ia€™m a Polly, Ia€™m a kettle, Ia€™m a Protestant, No Popery!a€™ Having learnt this latter sentiment from the gentry among whom he had lived of late, he delivered it with uncommon emphasis.

a€˜Well said, Grip!a€™ cried his master, as he fed him with the daintiest bits. a€˜Well said, old boy!a€™

a€˜Never say die, bow wow wow, keep up your spirits, Grip Grip Grip, Holloa! Wea€™ll all have tea, Ia€™m a Protestant kettle, No Popery!a€™ cried the raven.

a€˜Gordon for ever, Grip!a€™ cried Barnaby.

The raven, placing his head upon the ground, looked at his master sideways, as though he would have said, a€˜Say that again!a€™ Perfectly understanding his desire, Barnaby repeated the phrase a great many times. The bird listened with profound attention; sometimes repeating the popular cry in a low voice, as if to compare the two, and try if it would at all help him to this new accomplishment; sometimes flapping his wings, or barking; and sometimes in a kind of desperation drawing a multitude of corks, with extraordinary viciousness.

Barnaby was so intent upon his favourite, that he was not at first aware of the approach of two persons on horseback, who were riding at a foot-pace, and coming straight towards his post. When he perceived them, however, which he did when they were within some fifty yards of him, he jumped hastily up, and ordering Grip within doors, stood with both hands on his staff, waiting until he should know whether they were friends or foes.

He had hardly done so, when he observed that those who advanced were a gentleman and his servant; almost at the same moment he recognised Lord George Gordon, before whom he stood uncovered, with his eyes turned towards the ground.

a€˜Good day!a€™ said Lord George, not reining in his horse until he was close beside him. a€˜Well!a€™

a€˜All quiet, sir, all safe!a€™ cried Barnaby. a€˜The rest are awaya€" they went by that patha€"that one. A grand party!a€™

a€˜Ay?a€™ said Lord George, looking thoughtfully at him. a€˜And you?a€™

a€˜Oh! They left me here to