Page:The queen's museum, and other fanciful tales.djvu/30

 the Queen's museum. It is the most important business we have ever undertaken.'

At these words the Stranger stepped forward and made a protest. 'I left the city yesterday,' he said, 'commissioned by the Queen to obtain one or more objects of interest for her museum; and to return now to rob an institution which I have promised to enrich will be simply impossible.'

'You are right,' said the Captain, after a moment's reflection, 'such an action would be highly dishonorable on your part. If you will give me your word of honor that you will remain by this stone until our return, the expedition will proceed without you.'

The Stranger gave his word, and having been left sitting upon the stone, soon dropped asleep, and so remained until he was awakened by the return of the band,