I had scarce finished my soliloquy, when I heard a monstrous sort of groan or growl in the air, like thunder at a distance. "What's that, Pedro?" says I.--"I never heard the like before, daddy!" says he.--"Look about, boy," says I, "do you see anything?"--We heard it again. "Hark!" says Pedro, "it comes from that end of the lake."--While we were listening to the third sound, says Pedro, "Daddy, yonder is something black upon the rock, I did not see just now."--"Why, it moves," says I, "Pedro; here is news, good or bad."--"Hope the best, daddy," says Pedro; "I wish it may be mammy."--"No," says I, "Pedro, I don't expect her before I hear from her."--"Why, then," says Pedro, "here they come; I can plainly discern three of them. If my brother Tommy should be there, daddy!"--"No," says I, "Pedro, no such good news; they tell me Tommy's provided for, and that's to suffice for the loss of my child: and yet, Pedro, if I could get you settled in England in some good employ, I should consent to that: but what Tommy's to be I know not." By this time the three persons were so near that, seeing us, they called out "Peter!" and I making signs for them to alight, they settled just before me, and told me that Pendlehamby and Youwarkee would be with me by light next day. I had no sooner heard this, but so far was I from firing my tent, that I invited them to my grotto, set the best cheer before them, and with overhaste to do more than one thing at once, I even left undone what I might have done. I asked them who came with my father; and they told me about two hundred guards: that knocked me up again, as I had but prepared for about sixty; thinks I, My scheme is all untwisted. I then asked them what loud noise it was, and if they heard it just before I saw them over the rock. They told me they heard only the gripsack they brought with them to distinguish them from ordinary messengers; and then one of them showed it me, for I had before only taken it for a long staff in his hand: "but," says he, "you will hear them much louder to-morrow, and longer, before they come to you." Having entertained them to their content, I sent them to rest, not choosing to ask any questions; for I avoided anticipating the pleasure of hearing all the news from Youwarkee herself. However, the boys and I prepared what provisions of fowl and fish we could in the time, to be ready cold against they came, and then laid down ourselves. [Illustration: 5043] [Illustration: 0044] CHAPTER IV. _Peter settles the formality of his father's reception-Description of their march, and alighting; receives his father--Conducts him to his grotto--Offers to beg pardon for his mandate--Is prevented by Pendlehamby--Youwarkee not known in the English habit--Quarters the officers in the tent._