Oh, it
would be fine!"
"Yes, it's an excellent idea, Imp, but on the whole slightly risky,
because it's just possible that you might never find the lamp;
besides, you'll have to stop here, after all, because, you see, I'm
going away myself."
"Then let's go away together, Uncle Dick, do!"
"Impossible, my Imp; who will look after your Auntie Lisbeth and
Dorothy and Louise?"
"I forgot that," he answered ruefully.
"And they need a deal of taking care of," I added.
"'Fraid they do," he nodded; "but there's Peter," he suggested,
brightening.
"Peter certainly knows how to look after horses, but that is not
quite the same. Lend me your trusty sword."
He rose, and drawing it from his belt handed it to me with a
flourish.
"You remember in the old times, Imp, when knights rode out to battle,
it was customary for them when they made a solemn promise to kiss the
cross-hilt of their swords, just to show they meant to keep it. So
now I ask you to go back to your Auntie Lisbeth, to take care of her,
to shield and guard her from all things evil, and never to forget
that you are her loyal and true knight; and now kiss your sword in
token, will you?" and I passed back the weapon.
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