'
'That would be a bad business,' said Trueman; 'my lady could never abide
that. It would be better that he should turn Turk.'
'I am not sure it wouldn't,' said Mr. Freeman. 'It would be in a manner
more constitutional. The Sultan of Turkey may send an Ambassador to our
Queen, but the Pope of Rome may not.'
'I should not like to turn Turk,' said Trueman, very thoughtfully.
'I know what you are thinking of, John,' said Mr. Freeman, in a serious
tone. 'You are thinking, if anything were to happen to either of us in
this heathen land, where we should get Christian burial.'
'Lord love you, Mr. Freeman, no, I wasn't. I was thinking of a glass of
ale.'
'Ah!' sighed Freeman, 'it softens the heart to think of such things away
from home, as we are. Do you know, John, there are times when I feel
very queer, there are indeed. I catched myself a singing "Sweet Home"
one night, among those savages in the wilderness. One wants consolation,
John, sometimes, one does, indeed; and, for my part, I do miss the
family prayers and the home-brewed.'
As the twilight died away, they lighted immense bonfires, as well to
cheer them during their bivouac, as to deter any adventurous panther,
stimulated by the savoury odours, or hyena, breathing fraternal revenge,
from reconnoitring their encampment.
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