23/28 If you are one who has him alive and in keeping you shall be safe also." "Master, you have promised, and it is well known that you keep your word. I am your man henceforward, by reason of that promise. I will give you a token that I have not harmed the prince." "What have you to tell ?" "Master, they say that you seek the lost valley, of which none will speak." "That seems true; but speak up, and mouth not your words so." "Here was I born and bred, Master," said the man, still in the same growling voice. "I know where the lost valley is hidden, though none may go there save at peril of life. It is unlucky so much as to speak thereof." "Can you take me within sight of its place, so that I can find it ?" I asked, with a wild hope at last springing up in me. |