"
"Of course, that's the best plan," Fothergill agreed, "but it's not
so easy to follow. That fellow very nearly poked out my eye with
his stick, and no one's going to stand that if he can help it."
It was some hours before the curiosity of the village was satisfied.
When all had paid who were likely to do so, the guards broke up
their circle, and leaving two of their number at the cage to see
that no actual harm was caused to their prisoners, the rest went
off to a refreshment house. The place of the elders was now taken
by the boys and children of the village, who crowded round the
cage, prodded the prisoners with sticks, and, putting their hands
through the bars, pulled their ears and hair. This amusement,
however, was brought to an abrupt conclusion by Fothergill suddenly
seizing the wrist of a big boy and pulling his arm through the cage
until his face was against the bars; then he proceeded to punch
him until the guard, coming to his rescue, poked Fothergill with
his stick until he released his hold.
The punishment of their comrade excited neither anger nor resentment
among the other boys, who yelled with delight at his discomfiture,
but it made them more careful in approaching the cage, and though
they continued to poke the prisoners with sticks they did not venture
again to thrust a hand through the bars.
Pages:
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268