A gang of eight or nine
vagrants, who had been munching their crusts and _sardinhas_ in the
shade, now sprung up, and placing themselves between the travelers and
the water, vociferously demanded alms. To rid themselves of this
motley troop, L'Isle and Mrs. Shortridge threw each of them a small
coin. They were not so easily satisfied, but thrusting themselves
among the horses, continued to rival each other in whining petitions
and adjurations of their favorite saints. Lady Mabel, who had emptied
her purse of small coin the evening before, now entreated Moodie to
let this second opportunity of alms-giving, so manifestly sent for his
benefit, soften his stony heart. But he shook his head grimly, saying:
"If they are strong enough to travel, they are strong enough to work;
and work they shall, or starve, before they touch a penny of mine!"
L'Isle's short tempered groom, availing himself of the impatience of a
thirsty horse, now turned his about, at once spurring and reining him
in, which made him lash out his heels at the intruders near him. The
other steeds seemed to catch this infectious restiveness, and the
beggars were driven to a safer distance.
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