Moreover, their nerves were strained; they also dreaded this expedition, and therefore they were glad to relieve themselves in bucolic merriment.

Everything was clear to them now.

Feeling myself in honour bound to go on the embassy, as I was their only interpreter, I, artful dog, was trying to play upon their fears in order to prevent it from starting, so that I might have a week or two of the company of my new-wed wife.

They saw and appreciated the joke.
"He's slim, this little Englishman," shouted one.
"Don't be angry with him.

We should have done as much ourselves," replied another.
"Leave him behind," said a third.