Page:Edward Buttoneye and his adventures.djvu/46

 He took them on his brawny back And swam with them ashore. "This slight return I owe for lack Of thought," said he, "when o'er the track I crawled;—I'd do much more, But this, at least, will prove to you How much that sad event I rue."

They thanked him for his kindly deed And then resumed their march, But when the time was come to feed They found they'd nought to meet the need Except a piece of starch. Said Edward, "This will never do; Your wool, old chap, would be like glue."

They had no work, they had no food, But hungrier they grew. At last said Horace, "What's the good Of starving slowly? In the wood There's game enough for two. I feel quite faint, so get a gun And see what you can shoot, my son."