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The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

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"Right aga<strong>in</strong>, Chief," said the others. "Couldn't have a better <strong>order</strong>. Just what we were<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g to say ourselves. Off we go."<br />

Immediately the thump<strong>in</strong>g began aga<strong>in</strong> - very loud at first but soon fa<strong>in</strong>ter and fa<strong>in</strong>ter, till<br />

it died out <strong>in</strong> the direction <strong>of</strong> the sea.<br />

Lucy knew there was no time to sit puzzl<strong>in</strong>g as to what these <strong>in</strong>visible creatures might be.<br />

As soon as the thump<strong>in</strong>g noise had died away she got up and ran along the path after the<br />

others as quickly as her legs would carry her. <strong>The</strong>y must at all costs be warned.<br />

While this had been happen<strong>in</strong>g the others had reached the house. It was a low build<strong>in</strong>g -<br />

only two stories high made <strong>of</strong> a beautiful mellow stone, many-w<strong>in</strong>dowed, and partially<br />

covered with ivy. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g was so still that Eustace said, "I th<strong>in</strong>k it's empty," but<br />

Caspian silently po<strong>in</strong>ted to the column <strong>of</strong> smoke which rose from one chimney.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y found a wide gateway open and passed through it <strong>in</strong>to a paved courtyard. And it<br />

was here that they had their first <strong>in</strong>dication that there was someth<strong>in</strong>g odd about this<br />

island. In the middle <strong>of</strong> the courtyard stood a pump, and beneath the pump a bucket.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re was noth<strong>in</strong>g odd about that. But the pump handle was mov<strong>in</strong>g up and down,<br />

though there seemed to be no one mov<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />

"<strong>The</strong>re's some magic at work here," said Caspian.<br />

"Mach<strong>in</strong>ery!" said Eustace. "I do believe we've come to a civilized country at last."<br />

At that moment Lucy, hot and breathless, rushed <strong>in</strong>to the courtyard beh<strong>in</strong>d them. In a low<br />

voice she tried to make them understand what she had overheard. And when they had<br />

partly understood it even the bravest <strong>of</strong> them did not look very happy.<br />

"Invisible enemies," muttered Caspian. "And cutt<strong>in</strong>g us <strong>of</strong>f from the boat. This is an ugly<br />

furrow to plough."<br />

"You've no idea what sort <strong>of</strong> creatures they are, Lu?" asked Edmund.<br />

"How can I, Ed, when I couldn't see them?"<br />

"Did they sound like humans from their footsteps?"<br />

"I didn't hear any noise <strong>of</strong> feet - only voices and this frightful thudd<strong>in</strong>g and thump<strong>in</strong>g -<br />

like a mallet."<br />

"I wonder," said Reepicheep, "do they become visible when you drive a sword <strong>in</strong>to<br />

them?"<br />

"It looks as if we shall f<strong>in</strong>d out," said Caspian. "But let's get out <strong>of</strong> this gateway. <strong>The</strong>re's<br />

one <strong>of</strong> these gentry at that pump listen<strong>in</strong>g to all we say."

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