15.05.2015 Views

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

"Just as I thought," muttered Trumpk<strong>in</strong>. "<strong>The</strong> first result <strong>of</strong> all this foolery is not to br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

us help but to lose us two fighters."<br />

"Who would you th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> send<strong>in</strong>g, Doctor Cornelius?" asked Caspian.<br />

"Squirrels are best for gett<strong>in</strong>g through enemy country without be<strong>in</strong>g caught," said<br />

Trufflehunter.<br />

"All our squirrels (and we haven't many)," said Nikabrik, "are rather flighty. <strong>The</strong> only<br />

one I'd trust on a job like that would be Pattertwig."<br />

"Let it be Pattertwig, then," said K<strong>in</strong>g Caspian. "And who for our other messenger? I<br />

know you'd go, Trufflehunter, but you haven't the speed. Nor you, Doctor Cornelius."<br />

"I won't go," said Nikabrik. "With all these Humans and beasts about, there must be a<br />

Dwarf here to see that the Dwarfs are fairly treated."<br />

"Thimbles and thunderstorms!" cried Trumpk<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a rage. "Is that how you speak to the<br />

K<strong>in</strong>g? Send me, Sire, I'll go."<br />

"But I thought you didn't believe <strong>in</strong> the Horn, Trumpk<strong>in</strong>," said Caspian.<br />

"No more I do, your Majesty. But what's that got to do with it? I might as well die on a<br />

wild goose chase as die here. You are my K<strong>in</strong>g. I know the difference between giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

advice and tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>order</strong>s. You've had my advice, and now it's the time for <strong>order</strong>s."<br />

"I will never forget this, Trumpk<strong>in</strong>," said Caspian. "Send for Pattertwig, one <strong>of</strong> you. And<br />

when shall I blow the Horn?"<br />

"I would wait for sunrise, your Majesty," said Doctor Cornelius. "That sometimes has an<br />

effect <strong>in</strong> operations <strong>of</strong> White Magic."<br />

A few m<strong>in</strong>utes later Pattertwig arrived and had his task expla<strong>in</strong>ed to him. As he was, like<br />

many squirrels, full <strong>of</strong> courage and dash and energy and excitement and mischief (not to<br />

say conceit), he no sooner heard it than he was eager to be <strong>of</strong>f. It was arranged that he<br />

should run for Lantern Waste while Trumpk<strong>in</strong> made the shorter journey to the rivermouth.<br />

After a hasty meal they both set <strong>of</strong>f with the fervent thanks and good wishes <strong>of</strong><br />

the K<strong>in</strong>g, the Badger, and Cornelius.<br />

CHAPTER EIGHT<br />

HOW THEY LEFT THE ISLAND

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!