"And that we should be taken for ghosts!"
They were about to resume their journey, when Raiden suddenly exclaimed: "But where is Loo?"
"That's true," said the Prince; "he's the only one who has not returned."
"And yet he started first," said Raiden.
They waited a few moments.
"Unfortunately," said the Prince, "the duty which calls me suffers no delay. We must go; but it is with pain that I abandon that faithful boy."
Abandon Loo, the delight of all,—he who reminded the fathers of their children,—the scornful little hero, somewhat cruel, but fearless, and always gay! They set out with aching hearts; all sighed.
"What can have happened to him? Perhaps he has lost his way in the darkness," said Raiden, looking constantly back.
They had gone on for perhaps ten minutes, when those who were behind thought they heard a hurried gallop. They stopped and listened. A horse was indeed coming; shouts of laughter were soon mingled with the hoof-beats. It was Loo.
"Raiden!" he shouted, "come and catch me; I shall fall. I can't stand it any longer; I've laughed too hard?"