“Well,” he said at last, as he lowered his eyes to the guide and the strong, resolute-looking man beside him, “I—”
A quick change came over him, and with a laughing look he continued quickly:
“Not travellers’ tales, eh?”
“Travellers’ tales?” said the guide slowly.
“He means, are you deceiving him?” said Dale.
The guide shook his head gravely.
“The great mountains are too solemn to speak anything but truth in their shade.”
“Well,” said Saxe slowly, “then it’s the mountains that deceive.”
“Wait a bit, boy, and you’ll soon learn how great they are. It takes time. Now, understand this: I do not want to interfere with your enjoyment; but if we are to carry out my plans, it must be work and not play.”
“Why not both?” said Saxe merrily.