Now it is but a short hour, for our energy climbs the three miles in that brief time.

Shall I stop here for the sunset, or will your excellenzi hasten on ?" "If your energy approves, we will hasten," returned Uncle John.

"We love a sunset, because it's bound to set anyway, and we may as well make the best of it; but we have likewise an objection to being out after dark.
Any brigands around here ?" "Brigands! Ah; the signor is merry.

Never, since the days of Naxos, have brigands infested our fair country." "When were the days of Naxos ?" "Some centuries before Christ, signor," bowing his head and making the sign of the cross.
"Very good.

The brigands of those days must, of course, be dead by this time.