"Oh, nothing."

Dick was examining the wall between the shed they sat in and the
stable-place next door. It was much stronger than the mud affair between
them and the elephants. Tom Tripe had nearly finished his tumbler-full,
and there was madness in the air that night that made a man take awfully
long chances.

"Do you suppose a man could lose his way in the dark between here
and the palace gate?"

"Not even if he was as drunk as Noah. All he'd have to do 'ud be hold
on to the wall and walk forward. The road turns a corner, but the walls
are all blind and there's no other way but past the palace. You sit here,
though, my boy. No need to try that. Your wife's all right."

"Well, maybe I'd better stay here."

"Sure."

"Do you suppose I could back the dog-cart into the shed where your
horse is? I hardly like to leave my horse standing any longer in the open,
yet he's better in the shafts in case we want him in a hurry."

"Yes, the door's wide enough."

"Then I'll do it."

"Suit yourself. But take some of that rum before you go outside. The