“If he moves, rive him to the heart.” Then in a few seconds Tirian cut the ropes. With the remains of them he bound the sentry hand and foot. Finally he made him open his mouth, stuffed it full of grass and tied him up from scalp to chin so that he could make no noise, lowered the man into a sitting position and set him against the wall.
“I have done thee some discourtesy, soldier,” said Tirian. “But such was my need. If we meet again I may happen to do thee a better turn. Now, Jewel, let us go softly.”
He put his left arm round the beast‘s neck and bent and issed its nose and both had great joy. They went back s quietly as possible to the place where he had left the hildren. It was darker in there under the trees and he early ran into Eustace before he saw him.
“All’s well,” whispered Tirian. “A good night‘s work. Now or home.”
They turned and had gone a few paces when Eustace said, Where are you, Pole?“ There was no answer. “Is Jill on the ther side of you, Sire?” he asked.
“What?” said Tirian. “Is she not on the other side of you?” It was a terrible moment. They dared not shout but they hispered her name in the loudest whisper they could anage. There was no reply.
“Did she go from you while I was away?” asked Tirian.