We skirted skirt it for another half hour or so , the ground growing firmer as we advanced advanced , and presently we turned turn the corner of a wooded promontory and saw see a quite different country -- a sudden view of mountains , steep and bare .

I then advanced advanced forward near half a mile , but could not discover any sign of houses or inhabitants ; at least I was in so weak a condition , that I did not observe them .

His excellency , having mounted mount on the small of my right leg , advanced advanced forwards up to my face , with about a dozen of his retinue ; and producing produce his credentials under the signet royal , which he applied apply close to my eyes , spoke speak about ten minutes without any signs of anger , but with a kind of determinate resolution , often pointing point forwards , which , as I afterwards found find , was towards the capital city , about half a mile distant ; whither it was agreed agree by his majesty in council that I must be conveyed .

I took take a seat at the end of the hearthstone opposite that towards which my landlord advanced advanced , and filled fill up an interval of silence silence by attempting attempt to caress the canine mother , who had left leave her nursery , and was sneaking sneak wolfishly to the back of my legs , her lip curled up , and her white teeth watering watering for a snatch .