On reaching the bed-room, which was in a building adjoining, he stood awaiting our pleasure. Thanking him, I turned to take the light, but his fingers were the candlestick. He continued to hold it, and six young men, who had followed us, stood grouped around while we undressed, placing our clothes upon the floor. Judy advanced to lie down by them. One of the young men started forward, and said—
“I’ve got a right good knife.”
“What?”
“I’ve got a right good knife, if you want it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing, only I’ve got a right good knife, and if you’d like to kill that dog, I’ll lend it to you.”
“Please to tell me what you mean?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“Keep your dog quiet, or I’ll kill her,” I suppose was the interpretation. When we had covered ourselves in bed, the host said—
“I suppose you don’t want the light no more?”