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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dick, Marjorie and Fidge, by G. E. Farrow,
+Illustrated by Allan Wright
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Dick, Marjorie and Fidge
+       A Search for the Wonderful Dodo
+
+
+Author: G. E. Farrow
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2007  [eBook #23541]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 23541-h.htm or 23541-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/5/4/23541/23541-h/23541-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/5/4/23541/23541-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE
+
+A Search for the Wonderful Dodo
+
+by
+
+G. E. FARROW
+
+Author of Adventures in Wallypug Land
+
+With Many Illustrations by Allan Wright
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The skipper found the poor bird looking the picture of
+misery. "Hope you're feeling better, sir," he said.--Page 132. _Dick,
+Marjorie and Fidge_.]
+
+
+
+A. L. Burt, Publisher, 52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+
+
+TO MY DEAR LITTLE FRIENDS.
+
+Here is another book! I hope it will be as fortunate in pleasing you, as
+the others seem to have been, if I may judge from the many kind and
+gratifying letters which have reached me from boys and girls, of all
+ages and sizes, and from all parts of the world.
+
+And in connection with these letters, which I always try (though the
+pleasurable task grows heavier year by year) to answer myself, I have
+had the misfortune to lose a large packet of unanswered ones; so if any
+of my little correspondents have written to me during the past year, and
+have not received a reply, will he or she write to me again, and give me
+an opportunity of repairing the omission?
+
+I am getting quite proud of my gallery of photographs, which my little
+friends have sent me, and which, I think, please me almost more than
+anything else, if I may except a beautiful Persian kitten which has
+come as a present from a little girl at Hereford, and which is a prime
+favorite with every one here, including Dick, my little terrier,
+who--although he ought to know better at his age, being over
+eight--"galumphs" about in an absurdly clumsy manner, under the mistaken
+impression that he is playing with it. He only succeeds, however, in
+making himself ridiculous in the eyes of the kitten, who, despite his
+years, treats him with little or no respect, and does not hesitate to
+box his ears, and bite his tail whenever it feels so disposed.
+
+But I see my space is nearly exhausted, so must conclude, with very best
+wishes, and hoping to hear again from all of my old friends, and as many
+new ones as care to write.
+
+Believe me,
+Your affectionate friend,
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+CHAPTER                                                             PAGE
+
+         I. THE BEGINNING OF A MARVELLOUS JOURNEY                      1
+        II. THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY                              12
+       III. THE SAGE IN THE ONION FIELD                               24
+        IV. STORIES AND TAILS BY THE SAGE                             35
+         V. THE KING OF THE FISHES                                    47
+        VI. IN THE KING'S PRESENCE                                    59
+       VII. THE HUMAN RACE                                            68
+      VIII. THE DODO AT LAST                                          80
+        IX. AT THE NORTH POLE                                         92
+         X. SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES                                   102
+        XI. THE SKIPPER OF THE "ARGONAUT"                            113
+       XII. THE ARCHÆOPTERYX                                         125
+      XIII. THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM'S BALLOON                          135
+       XIV. THE DUFF AND DEM EXECUTIONER                             145
+        XV. THE EXECUTION OF THE DODO                                155
+       XVI. THE PREHISTORIC DOCTOR                                   165
+      XVII. WAITING FOR THE TRAIN                                    175
+     XVIII. A NIGHT IN THE TRAIN                                     185
+       XIX. AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE                                    195
+        XX. A DIFFICULTY WITH THE ROUNDABOUT                         216
+       XXI. THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM AT LAST                            217
+      XXII. TURNED TO STONE                                          228
+     XXIII. THE DODO'S LITTLE RUSE                                   236
+      XXIV. FIRST CLASS TO LONDON                                    245
+       XXV. THE DODO OBLIGES WITH A SONG                             255
+      XXVI. THE DODO DEPARTS                                         263
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BEGINNING OF A MARVELOUS JOURNEY.
+
+
+"Dick! Dick! Wake up, I want to tell you something." Marjorie stood
+outside the boy's bedroom door, and called in as loud a whisper as she
+dared, fearing lest she should awaken the rest of the household. There
+was a scuffle and a patter of bare feet inside, and Dick appeared at the
+door rubbing his eyes, evidently only half awake.
+
+"What's up?" he demanded.
+
+"Hush! don't make a noise. There's such a funny sound down-stairs--I
+believe it's burglars. Listen!"
+
+"Pooh! this time in the morning. What nonsense."
+
+"Well it's been going on for ever so long, anyhow, and hark, there's
+something keeps banging about like anything in the breakfast-room."
+
+Dick ran to the top of the stairs and listened. Sure enough, there was a
+most mysterious noise going on below,--a dull banging at regular
+intervals, and a curious lapping sound, as though there was water in the
+lower part of the house.
+
+"Let's go and see what's up!" said Dick promptly.
+
+"Me too," said a shrill treble voice, and a little curly-headed
+apparition came running out of the bedroom, flourishing a wooden spade.
+
+"No! you cut along into bed again, Fidge," cried Dick.
+
+"Want to go and see the bur-ge-lers!" declared Fidge, pushing past them,
+and racing down the stairs.
+
+"Come back, you scamp," cried Dick, running after him; but with a saucy
+and defiant laugh Fidge sped down to the first landing.
+
+"Ooh!" he cried, looking over the banisters, "It's all drownded; look,
+Dick! quick!"
+
+Dick and Marjorie hurried down and leaned over the banisters too.
+
+"Hullo! what a lark!" exclaimed Dick. "There's been a high tide, and the
+house is flooded. Come on, this is ripping!" and the boy dashed
+down-stairs, followed by the others.
+
+The breakfast-room door stood open, and, wading ankle deep in water, the
+children soon reached it. An extraordinary sight met their eyes.
+
+The French windows were open, and the curtains were blowing about in the
+breeze, while the sea had risen so high that the white-capped waves were
+flowing quite into the room, in which the utmost confusion prevailed.
+Chairs and various light articles were strewn about in all directions,
+and the table, by some mysterious process, had been turned completely
+over, and was floating about with its legs sticking up in the air. It
+was evidently the noise which that had made, dashing against the door,
+which had awakened Marjorie.
+
+[Illustration: "The waves were flowing into the room."]
+
+The children stood silently regarding it for a moment, and then Fidge,
+with a delighted exclamation cried, "I want a ride in the boat," and
+began to scramble into the overturned table.
+
+"Oh! yes, jolly!" cried Dick, following his example; and in a moment all
+three children were comfortably ensconced in the novel craft.
+
+Dick found a stick floating about, which he used as a punting pole, and
+soon had the table through the window and out into the garden.
+
+"I'll be captain," he cried, "and you and Fidge shall be passengers,
+Sis." The drawer of the table turned upside down made a capital upper
+deck, and Marjorie settled herself very comfortably upon it, after Dick
+had rigged up what he was pleased to call an awning with a little
+table-cloth, and a piece of string which he had in the pocket of his
+pyjamas.
+
+Fidge, however, had no idea of remaining inactive, and insisted upon
+taking a part in the management of the craft, and so Dick made him the
+"Bosun," and set him to work rowing with his little wooden spade.
+
+Out in the garden the water became deeper, and Captain Dick's pole would
+not reach the bottom; still, owing to some mysterious influence, their
+curious boat drifted merrily on, and the children did not puzzle
+themselves in the least as to the cause of their progress. It was quite
+enough for them to notice how strange and unnatural the gardens and all
+the familiar surroundings appeared in their present inundated state. The
+rosebushes and hedges looked so funny, growing out of the water, and
+there were such a lot of curious things floating about--a hen-coop, a
+wash-tub, and an old hamper had hurried past; and their boat had drifted
+as far as the gate leading out into the roadway, when Marjorie jumped up
+and pointed excitedly to something floating rapidly towards them.
+
+"Look! Dick, look! there's an old turkey on a chair coming along."
+
+As the object drew nearer, however, they could see that it was not a
+turkey, or, indeed, any bird with which they were familiar, but a most
+curious-looking creature. It had an oddly-shaped beak, webbed feet, and
+a funny great tuft of feathers for a tail.
+
+"Why, the thing has gloves on!" cried Captain Dick.
+
+"And a blue bow around its neck," chimed in Fidge, his eyes dancing with
+excitement.
+
+"Ship ahoy!" shouted the bird, as it came close up to the table.
+
+"Good gracious! Why it can talk," said Marjorie.
+
+"Talk! Of course I can," answered the bird. "Why not, pray?"
+
+"Well, birds don't generally talk, except parrots," added Marjorie, as
+an afterthought.
+
+"Parrots!" exclaimed the bird, stamping furiously on the seat of the
+chair; "I hate 'em--nasty, showy, pretentious, ill-bred creatures;
+regular shrieking hypocrites, that's what I call 'em."
+
+"What sort of a bird are you, then?" asked Dick.
+
+"I'm a Dodo," said the creature, with a consequential air.
+
+"Oh! then you are extinct," said Dick. "I read it in a natural history
+book."
+
+"Yes, I am," admitted the Dodo. "It's lovely being extinct," he added,
+complacently. "Have you ever tried it?"
+
+"Good gracious, no," cried Dick.
+
+"What does it mean, Dick, dear?" whispered Marjorie, who didn't like to
+appear ignorant.
+
+"Gone out, I think," explained Dick. "Anyhow, they say a volcano is
+extinct when it has gone out."
+
+"Yes, that's quite right," explained the Dodo, with a wink. "Haven't you
+ever heard the vulgar expression, 'Does your mother know you're out?'
+Well, where I come from, we just say, 'Is your maternal relative aware
+of your extinction?' instead. It's the same thing, you know, and sounds
+ever so much better. Then, again, it's most convenient, if any one calls
+whom you don't wish to see, just to tell the servants to say that you
+are extinct, and there is an end of the matter. But I mustn't stop all
+day, I must be off to sea."
+
+"Are you going to sea on that chair?" cried Marjorie.
+
+"Well, it's as good as a table anyhow, as far as I can see," laughed the
+Dodo. "Yes, I've an appointment with an Ichthyosaurus at the Equator at
+noon, so I must be off. Good-by. Oh! while I think of it, though, if
+you _do_ come across him, you might give him my love, and tell him that
+I'm extinct, will you please? Ha--ha--he will be amused!"
+
+"Who do you mean?" called out Dick, as the Dodo floated away on his
+chair.
+
+"The little Panjandrum," was the reply; "you are pretty sure to meet him
+sooner or later."
+
+"Oh, we're going to see the Pan--jan--de--lum," announced Fidge,
+capering about in glee. "Hooray!"
+
+In the meantime the table had drifted on till the house was quite out of
+sight, and had reached the base of the cliffs, where the smugglers' cave
+was. The children had been there ever so many times before, and knew of
+a little gap in the rocks where, if only their boat would drift near
+enough, they could land, and clamber up to the roadway again. The boat,
+however, passed the gap, and drifted straight underneath the cave, from
+whence came a confused babel of sounds.
+
+The children looked up, and a moment afterwards a crowd of the funniest
+little people imaginable came to the edge and peered over.
+
+"What rum little beggars!" cried Dick. "Just look at their eyes!"
+
+"I do believe they are Brownies, or else Gnomes!" declared Marjorie, who
+had read a great many fairy stories.
+
+"Nonsense!" said Dick, with a superior air; "there are no such things
+now-a-days."
+
+[Illustration: "A rope ladder was let down."]
+
+"Who says so?" shrieked the little people from the cave. "Come up here,
+and we'll soon show you."
+
+"Oh, yes, do!" cried Marjorie, clapping her hands; "I should love to see
+them."
+
+"I don't see how we are going to get up there," said Dick, dubiously;
+"we haven't got a ladder."
+
+"We have one," shouted the little people. "Shall we let it down?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," clamored Marjorie, and immediately afterwards a rope
+ladder was let down, and one or two of the little men hung over the
+ledge to steady it.
+
+"Come along," cried Marjorie, leading the way, while Fidge followed
+next, repeating over and over, with a delighted chuckle, "We
+are going to see the Pan--jan--de--lum! We are going to see the
+Pan--jan--de--lum!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY.
+
+
+At the top of the ladder the children found themselves in the midst of a
+crowd of curious little pigmies, dressed in all sorts of quaint and
+fantastic costumes.
+
+They were the oddest little creatures that you can possibly imagine,
+with eyes and ears that seemed to be too big for their heads, and tiny
+little spindle legs that looked quite incapable of supporting their big
+bodies.
+
+They spoke in a shrill, clear, bell-like voice, which, although they
+were such tiny creatures, could be heard distinctly.
+
+"So you don't believe in fairies, eh!" they cried, clustering about the
+children.
+
+"I do," declared Marjorie, stoutly.
+
+"Yes, and me do, too," said Fidge, looking about him delightedly.
+
+"But," objected Dick, "I've always been told that fairies, and elves,
+and gnomes, and things of that sort were merely myths, and existed only
+in the imagination of story-tellers."
+
+"He--he--he," giggled the little people. "The same old story. They told
+you that to hide their ignorance, my child."
+
+"I'm thirteen years old," declared Dick, haughtily, for he did not at
+all approve of being called a child.
+
+"Oh, are you indeed!" was the reply, amid shouts of laughter. "I suppose
+you think yourself quite a man, and are consequently too old to believe
+in the fairies, who are more than thirteen thousand years old."
+
+"You know you used to believe in them, Dick," interposed Marjorie.
+"Don't you remember how we used to enjoy that lovely fairy book Aunt May
+gave us, and dear old 'Alice in Wonderland,' and----"
+
+"That was years ago," interrupted Dick, turning very red. "I've had it
+all explained to me since that, and I don't read those kind of books
+now."
+
+"Do you read Shakespeare?" demanded one of the little folks.
+
+"Some of it," replied Dick, doubtfully.
+
+"Have you ever read 'Midsummer Night's Dream?'"
+
+"Oh, yes! Jolly! Titania, and Oberon, and Puck, and all that lot, you
+know; and the jolly little chaps that----"
+
+"Hullo! I thought you didn't believe in fairies," interrupted some one.
+
+"Oh, well, that's different, you know; that's Shakespeare, and--and----"
+
+"And what? I suppose you'll admit that he believed in them?"
+
+"Well, I suppose so," said Dick, grudgingly; "but I----"
+
+"But you imagine yourself to be cleverer than Shakespeare."
+
+"Ha--ha--ha!" laughed a chorus of little people, derisively.
+
+"Look here! I'll tell you what it is," said the first speaker, "you have
+evidently been taught by some of those wise old know-nothings, who have
+succeeded in making you as clever as themselves, and it is our intention
+to show you how ignorant you all are. I think you will believe in
+fairies before we have done with you. Now, we are gnomes, and have just
+completed a subterranean passage between here and the land of the little
+Panjandrum."
+
+[Illustration: "Four extraordinary figures came in sight."]
+
+The word _little_ was spoken so softly as to be quite indistinct. "The
+what!" cried Dick.
+
+"Sh! the _little_ Panjandrum," said the gnome, speaking the word almost
+inaudibly.
+
+"What do you say it like that for?" asked the children.
+
+"Well, you see, his Magnificence and Serene Importance is somewhat
+sensitive on the subject; there is the GRAND Panjandrum, you know."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Dick, "and the other chap doesn't like to take a back
+seat, that's it, is it? Well, who is the Little Panjandrum, anyhow?"
+
+"Sh! sh!" cried the gnomes, looking about them nervously. "You really
+mustn't say _little_ as loudly as that. Supposing any one heard you?"
+
+"Well, what if they did?" asked Dick.
+
+"O! His Serene Importance would be terribly angry, and perhaps
+would----"
+
+What the conclusion of the sentence was to have been the children never
+knew, for at that moment there was a loud clattering noise in the
+passage leading from the cave, and a moment afterwards four
+extraordinary figures came in sight.
+
+They were mounted upon ostriches, and one of them, more richly
+caparisoned than the others, had a kind of canopy attached to his
+trappings, beneath which sat a stern-faced little man with an elaborate
+turban and head-dress. He wore also a very curious collar, from which
+depended a large gold ornament of curious design. He carried in one hand
+a long pipe, and with the other guided his strange steed.
+
+[Illustration: "What do you know about the Dodo?"]
+
+The others of the party, who were evidently his attendants, each carried
+a banner emblazoned with mysterious signs and characters.
+
+The silver bells attached to the head of the ostrich, and on the top of
+the canopy over the grandee, tinkled merrily as he came forward.
+
+"In the name of the little Panjandrum," he shouted, in a loud voice, and
+immediately all the gnomes bowed respectfully almost down to the ground.
+
+"His Serene Importance and Most Magnificent Greatness is grievously
+distressed."
+
+The gnomes all brought forth little pocket-handkerchiefs, and began to
+cry.
+
+"The Dodo presented to His Worshipful Gorgeousness by the Grand
+Panjandrum himself has escaped!"
+
+The gnomes all threw up their hands in dismay.
+
+"Why, we saw it," cried Marjorie, excitedly. "Didn't we, Dick?"
+
+The little man on the ostrich turned around sharply, and after staring
+at the children for a moment, shouted--
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"I am Dick Verrinder, sir, and this is my sister Marjorie, and our
+little brother Fidge," said Dick politely. "We are spending our summer
+holiday at Mrs. Lawrence's cottage on the other side of the cliff. The
+tide rose very high this morning, and we----"
+
+"Don't tell me all that nonsense. What do you know about the Dodo?" said
+the little man, impatiently.
+
+"Why, we met it floating about on a chair, and it told us that it was
+going to the Equator to meet a--a--er--a----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It was something with a very long name," stammered Dick; "I can't quite
+remember what."
+
+"Look here," said the little man, bending forward excitedly, "that story
+won't do for me. I am the Ambassador Extraordinary of his Magnificence
+the little Panjandrum, and you tell me that you have seen the Dodo; that
+is enough. Now then! Where is it? It's no use telling me that it has
+gone off to keep an appointment with something with a long name. I say,
+where is the bird? If you don't instantly produce that Dodo I shall take
+you before the Court of Inquisitives, and let them deal with you."
+
+"But I tell you," began Dick, while Marjorie clung to his arm in
+affright, and Fidge scowled angrily at hearing his idolized big brother
+spoken to in this peremptory manner, "I tell you that we only saw it for
+a----"
+
+"That's quite enough. Don't argue the point. I shall give you one week
+from now, and if at the end of that time you do not appear at the Palace
+of the little Panjandrum with the Dodo, I shall apply to the Grand
+Panjandrum himself to have you subtransexdistricated, so there!"
+
+"But----"
+
+"Not another word. Ink! Paper! Pens!" he commanded, getting off his
+ostrich and squatting down before a flat stone, while the little gnomes
+ran hither and thither, getting in each other's way, and tripping and
+stumbling about in all directions in their eagerness to do the
+Ambassador's bidding.
+
+"Sit down!" he ordered, and the children sat down on the ground in front
+of him. There was a slight difficulty about the ink at this point, for
+the gnomes, not being quite strong enough to carry the inkstand, turned
+it over on its side to roll it forward, and of course spilled all the
+ink. They managed, however, to gather up some of it in their caps, and
+so kept the Ambassador supplied.
+
+"Now then! Know all men by these presents," he began, writing the words
+down as he spake them.
+
+"He's going to give us some presents," whispered Fidge, giving Dick a
+nudge. Dick shook his head reprovingly, and the little man continued--
+
+"That whereas three children, named respectively--what did you say your
+name was?"
+
+"Richard Greville Verrinder, Sir."
+
+"Richard Greville Verrinder, and--what's your sister's name?"
+
+[Illustration: "Dick suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet."]
+
+"Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder."
+
+"Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder, and----"
+
+"Harold Ellis Verrinder," prompted Dick.
+
+"Who's that?" inquired the Ambassador, sharply.
+
+"My little brother," was the reply.
+
+"You said his name was Fidge."
+
+"Oh, yes, but that's his nickname, you know."
+
+"I don't know anything of the sort. Now then, just keep quiet while I
+finish this document. There," he continued, when he had finished writing
+some mysterious-looking words on the paper, and had attached two
+enormous red seals to it--"that's your warrant for arresting the Dodo,
+when you have found him; and it is also an authority from the little
+Panjandrum for you at any time to become any size that you wish; to
+float through the air at will; and to live under water if necessary. So
+you have everything in your favor, and I shall expect the Dodo back in
+less than a week. Do you hear? Now I'm off."
+
+The little man mounted his ostrich, and without saying a word more to
+any one, he and his followers rode off in the direction from whence they
+had come.
+
+"Well, I never!" said Dick, picking up the scrawl which had fallen at
+his feet. "Here's a go! We've got to find that beastly old Dodo in less
+than a week, or be--what was it?"
+
+"I don't know," said Marjorie, dolefully, "it was something very long,
+and sounded dreadful."
+
+"But what's that he said about our being able to be any size that we
+wished? I'm sure I wish I was as tall as father."
+
+"Me, too," said Fidge, emphatically.
+
+"And I should love to float about in the air, I'm sure!" declared
+Marjorie.
+
+The words were scarcely out of her mouth when she felt herself wafted
+gently off her feet, while at the same moment Dick, to Fidge's intense
+surprise, suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet, and looked so
+very ridiculous, that all three of them burst out into an uncontrollable
+fit of laughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE SAGE IN THE ONION FIELD.
+
+
+"How absurd," laughed Dick, as he looked down from the--to him--enormous
+height of six feet. "What a thin, lanky-looking creature, I am, to be
+sure--and Fidge, too; he looks perfectly ridiculous"--for Fidge, also,
+was growing amazingly.
+
+"How did it happen, Dick, dear?" asked Marjorie, in an awe-stricken
+voice. "It seems so funny to be up here in the air, and yet I don't feel
+in the least frightened, do you?"
+
+"Of course not," said Dick, contemptuously. "Why, we just said we wished
+to be as tall as the Pater, you know, and it happened."
+
+"Oh, yes; and I said I should like to float in the air. I suppose we can
+always do what we want to now--how lovely! Like the 'Arabian Nights,'
+isn't it?"
+
+"I don't want to be thin, like a walking-stick," said Fidge, in a
+dissatisfied voice.
+
+"No, it's rather horrid," said Dick. "Let's see; we said as tall as the
+Pater, didn't we?--not as _big_. I wonder if that makes any difference."
+
+"I want to be as fat as old Mrs. Mofflet," said Fidge, mischievously.
+
+The words were no sooner out of his mouth than he dwindled down to his
+usual height, and spread out in girth till he exactly resembled, in
+appearance, what one looks like in a concave mirror--that is, he was
+about twice as wide as he was high.
+
+"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! That's worse than ever!" laughed the children,
+while little Fidge waddled about in an absurd way.
+
+The gnomes were highly amused, and cut the most extraordinary antics in
+their glee.
+
+"I think perhaps the best thing to do for the present would be to wish
+ourselves as we were," said Dick. "I have no doubt it wi be very
+useful by and by to be any size we like, but just now it's rather
+awkward."
+
+"Oh, let's be little, like the gnomes," cried Marjorie. "It will be such
+fun."
+
+"All right," acquiesced Dick; "here goes--I wish I were as little as the
+gnomes."
+
+"So do I," cried Marjorie.
+
+[Illustration: "He was about twice as wide as he was high."]
+
+"Me, too!" cried Fidge.
+
+To their great surprise, nothing happened. They waited a moment or two,
+staring at each other expectantly, and then Marjorie cried in a
+troubled voice--
+
+"Oh, dear! I don't believe it's going to work, and we shall have to stay
+like this forever."
+
+"What nonsense!" cried Dick.
+
+"I say! I want to be as small as the gnomes," he shouted.
+
+There was no result, however, and the children remained as they were.
+
+"Oh! I know," he cried; "I ought to have the paper that the Ambassador
+gave me in my hand. Where is it?"
+
+There was a great whispering amongst the gnomes, and at last one of them
+shouted out--
+
+"We've taken it away."
+
+"What for?" demanded Dick. "It was given to us; you had better give it
+up at once. What do you mean by it?"
+
+There was another whispered consultation, and then one of the gnomes
+said, "Let them have it for now," and the paper was put down upon the
+ground at Dick's feet.
+
+Dick stooped down and picked it up, and immediately the children began
+to dwindle down till they became as small as the little people
+themselves.
+
+They had no sooner done so than the paper which the Ambassador had given
+them was suddenly snatched from Dick's hand and a number of the gnomes
+surrounded them, dancing about, turning somersaults, playing leap-frog,
+and capering about in the maddest way.
+
+"Well, you've done it now," said one of them, tauntingly.
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Dick.
+
+"Why, we've got the paper, and you can't grow any bigger until we allow
+you to."
+
+"What a mean trick!" cried Dick, in disgust.
+
+"Well, we don't think it at all fair," said the gnomes, "that you should
+be able to grow any size that you want to, while we have to keep little,
+so we are going to keep you here for a little while, and teach you to
+believe in fairies, do you see?"
+
+"But we've got to find the Dodo in a week," expostulated Dick, "and if
+you keep us here, however are we to do that?"
+
+"Oh, please give us the paper back," begged Marjorie. "I'm sure the
+Pater will be so vexed if we never grow any bigger than this any more."
+And she began to cry a little.
+
+You see, such a lot of very unusual things had happened that she was a
+little excited and nervous.
+
+"Well, we'll think about it," said the gnomes, running away and hiding
+among the rocks.
+
+"Don't cry, Marjorie," said Dick, bravely, though he too felt a little
+anxious himself; for, you see, eleven inches is not very tall for any
+one to be, and he didn't care to admit what would happen if he went back
+to school in his present state.
+
+"Chappel Minor has always been cheeky," he thought, "and so have Martin
+and Foster, and if I keep this size they will think they can do just as
+they like with me, and probably will turn me out of the cricket eleven,
+while that little wretch of a Castleton is sure to sneak all my
+pencils--he does now when he gets a chance." However, he kept these
+doleful thoughts to himself, and devoted himself to the task of
+consoling his sister and Fidge, and had soon talked them into such a
+cheerful frame of mind, that they really began to think that it was
+rather an advantage than otherwise to have lost the paper.
+
+"For one thing, we shall not have to hunt for that old Dodo,"
+argued Dick, "because even the Grand Panjandrum himself, whoever
+he may be, could not expect us to go far away while we remain as
+little as this, and so we are not in such great danger of
+being--er--er--thingummybobbed--you know--what the Ambassador said we
+should be, if we didn't find the wretched thing."
+
+"Supposing we try and find the Ambassador," suggested Marjorie. "I don't
+think he was really very cross, only a little abrupt, you know; and we
+could explain everything to him, and perhaps he would give us a new
+paper."
+
+"All right," said Dick, leading the way. "At any rate, he will be able
+to make us grow bigger--that is, if we wish to," he added, with a fine
+affectation of unconcern.
+
+The children walked on for some time in the direction in which the
+Ambassador and his followers had disappeared, and they soon found
+themselves out of the cave and in a kind of forest.
+
+[Illustration: "A curious little old man with a flowing beard came
+toward them."]
+
+"What funny trees," said Fidge, looking up over his head.
+
+The others followed his example, and found that he had good cause for
+his surprise; the long, smooth trunks, without any leaves, ended in a
+kind of ball, while at the roots a kind of enormous bulb appeared.
+
+"Whatever can they be?" cried Marjorie, in amazement.
+
+"Onions!" was the reply, spoken by a strange voice.
+
+The children turned around, and beheld a curious little old man with a
+long flowing beard coming toward them.
+
+"Have you any other questions to ask?" he inquired, pleasantly.
+
+"It's very kind of you, Sir," said Dick, who was the first to recover
+from the surprise which they had all experienced at this sudden
+apparition. "Will you, please, tell us where we are?"
+
+"Oh," said the little man, with a smile, "this is the Field of Onions.
+And I am the Sage with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of
+Onions. And that is the Hut of curious build which belongs to the Sage
+with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of Onions.
+
+"Is there anything else I can tell you? If so, pray ask me. I like it."
+
+"What a funny man," whispered Marjorie. "Do you think he is quite right
+in his head?"
+
+"Hush!" said Dick. "Perhaps he can direct us to the Little Panjandrum's,
+and then we can find the Ambassador easily."
+
+"Little Panjandrum's, certainly," said the Sage, answering exactly as
+though he had been spoken to himself--
+
+    "'Take the first to the right on Tuesday week,
+      The second to the left on Monday;
+    On Friday you'll not have far to seek,
+      And be sure not to travel on Sunday!'
+
+"But it's no use going at all till you've found the Dodo," he added.
+
+"Good gracious! how did you know that we were looking for it," cried
+Dick.
+
+"Oh, I know everything," said the Sage, complacently. "Did you ever know
+a Sage who didn't?"
+
+"I'm afraid I've never known one at all before, Sir," said Dick; "but I
+should think it must be very useful to know such a lot, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, it isn't bad," admitted the Sage; "would you like to know how I
+became so clever?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," cried all the children at once.
+
+Motioning them to a seat on an onion bulb, the little man struck an
+attitude, and began--
+
+    "I was brought up on Verbs of irregular kind,
+      With a Pronoun or two as a treat,
+    While a strict course of Logic, to strengthen my mind,
+      My pastors and masters thought meet.
+
+    I had Lessons for breakfast, and Sums for my tea,
+      Learnt to play the Arithmetic nicely,
+    And gained all the prizes at School--don't you see,
+      For construing Doggerel concisely.
+
+    They were Isms, and Ologies, Science, and Cram,
+      Quadratic Equations, and Butter,
+    The _Pons asinorum_, and Strawberry Jam,
+      And the Cane, did I mumble or mutter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+STORIES AND TAILS BY THE SAGE.
+
+
+"Do you mean to say," inquired Dick, when the Sage had finished, "that
+all those last things were prizes; because, if so, there isn't a single
+one of them that I should have cared for much, except the Strawberry
+Jam?"
+
+"That only shows a great want of taste on your part," said the old Sage,
+severely. "Isms and Ologies, and things of that sort, are very tasty,
+when you become used to them."
+
+"What are Isms and Ologies, if you please, Sir?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Oh, there are various kinds," was the reply. "There's Ge-Ology, for
+instance, which is lovely spread on bread-and-butter; and Zo-Ology, with
+Aphor-Ism sauce, is simply delicious."
+
+"They don't sound very nice," said Marjorie, dubiously, making a wry
+face.
+
+"You don't know anything at all about it, I'm afraid, my dear," said the
+little old man, decidedly. "You would probably prefer dolls and
+foolishness of that sort!"
+
+"Yes, I think I should," admitted Marjorie, candidly.
+
+"Do you know _everything_, please, Mr. Sage?" inquired Fidge, who had
+been very silent during this conversation, which he had not in the least
+been able to understand.
+
+"Yes, my dear," said the Sage, smiling affably.
+
+"Stories?" inquired Fidge, his eyes wide open with excitement and
+interest.
+
+The old man nodded.
+
+"Oh! do tell us one, please," begged the little boy. "The Three Bears,
+or Little Red Riding Hood, or something of that sort."
+
+"Fidge, Fidge," cried Dick, rebukingly, "you mustn't bother the
+gentleman."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind in the least," said the Sage, pleasantly. "I'll tell
+him some stories, if he likes."
+
+"Oh! thanks, that's jolly!" cried Fidge, clapping his hands, and they
+all sat down again, while the old man began as follows:--
+
+"It was on a dark winter's night, and the hot sun was pouring down upon
+the----"
+
+"Oh!" interrupted Marjorie, "I beg your pardon, but haven't you made a
+mistake? It couldn't have been dark, you know, if the sun was shining."
+
+The Sage frowned severely.
+
+"Are you telling this story, or am I?" he asked, coldly.
+
+"Oh, I beg your pardon," said Marjorie, "please go on."
+
+"Was pouring down upon the ship," continued the Sage, "and almost
+freezing the poor soldiers, who had great difficulty as it was, in
+dragging the heavy cannon up the steep side of the mountain, upon which
+he was standing; still leaning over the side of the balloon, she peered
+down eagerly into the sky. There was not a soul in sight.
+
+"Suddenly a cry of 'Fire!' rang through the town, and two or three of
+them hastily putting on their best clothes, joined the picnic party
+under the gnarled oak tree in the meadow, and their joyous laughter rang
+merrily down the old staircase, where the grandfather's clock stood,
+tick-tick-ticking, like the great volcano which yawned at their very
+feet, and into which the two boys plunged merrily, and were soon
+splashing about in the shallow water like a mahogany chest of drawers
+upon the sands of time."
+
+The Sage paused.
+
+"Do you like it?" he inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Not much, I'm afraid," said Dick. "You see, we can't quite understand
+what it's all about."
+
+"Well, neither do I," said the Sage, "because, you know, I'm making it
+up as I go along."
+
+"Then it isn't true?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"True? Nonsense! You wanted a story, didn't you? This is a real story;
+there isn't a particle of truth in it anywhere."
+
+"Oh, we didn't mean that kind of story," explained Marjorie, "we meant a
+tale."
+
+"What kind of a tale would you like--a Fishes' tale, a Birds' tale, or
+an Animals' tale?"
+
+"A birds' tale, please," said Marjorie, after consulting the others.
+
+"All right," said the Sage, "this is a lot of birds' tales all tied up
+together, and is called a fable----"
+
+[Illustration: "The gossiping goose."]
+
+"Is it one of Æsop's?" asked Dick, who thought that it would look grand
+for him to have heard of Æsop's fables.
+
+"No, it isn't," said the Sage, rather crossly; "it's one of my own! Now
+then, are you ready? I call it--"
+
+                "THE GOSSIPING GOOSE."
+
+    "A Crested Grebe, a Spoonbill, and a Goose,
+          I beg to say,
+          Met one fine day,
+    And compliments were passed the most profuse.
+
+    'How very well you look, my dear,' said one,
+          'That shade of red
+          Upon your head,
+    So sweet; and how _delightfully_ your hair is done.'
+
+    And each had gratifying things to say,
+          With gushing smile,
+          Upon the style
+    Of all the others' holiday array.
+
+    Then Mrs. Goose, with most superior sneer,
+          Said, 'Have you seen
+          That dress of green
+    That Mrs. Peacock's wearing now, my dear?
+
+    'She looks a perfect guy, and then--her feet
+          And legs! Oh, lor!
+          I never saw
+    A bird so clumsy, or so indiscreet.
+
+    'I met her at the Concert Hall last week,
+          A poor affair,
+          I do declare,
+    I wonder that the Songsters have such cheek.
+
+    'Miss Nightingale was singing far too loud;
+          I never heard
+          So harsh a bird,
+    I wonder how she dared to face the crowd.
+
+    'Miss Thrush had quite a decent voice, I hear,
+          Some years ago
+          (A score or so),
+    But now her voice is giving way, I fear.
+
+    'She sang as badly as did Mrs. Lark,
+          Who all agreed,
+          Had every need
+    Of lessons, to bring _her_ up to the mark.
+
+    'Miss Linnet had a really dreadful cough.
+          As for the rest,
+          They quite distressed
+    The company. Well, good-by, dears. I'm off.'
+
+    And, while the Spoonbill and the other bird
+          Went on their way,
+          I heard one say,
+    'That Mrs. Goose is really most absurd.
+
+    'She talks about the Peacock's gaudy dress:
+          If she prefers
+          That gray of hers,
+    I don't admire her taste, I must confess.
+    'And as for legs and feet--well, I declare,
+          The pair she's got
+          Are really not
+    The kind that I'd be seen with anywhere.
+
+    'While as for singing, that _she_ should complain
+          Of other folk
+          Is past a joke,
+    I vow I'll not be friends with her again.'
+
+    'My dear,' the other said, 'remember this:
+          A critic she
+          Of high degree,
+    For though she can't sing well, the goose can _hiss_.'"
+
+The Sage had scarcely finished when a sound of weeping and wailing was
+heard, and presently a whole troop of gnomes appeared in the onion
+field. They were crying bitterly, and to the children's great surprise
+several of them had grown enormously tall and others equally stout.
+
+They came straight up to the Sage's hut, and with tears streaming down
+their faces beseeched him to help them. They had foolishly been making
+use of the authority which the Little Panjandrum's Ambassador had given
+to the children; and although it acted one way, and made them the size
+that they wished to be, it would not turn them back again.
+
+[Illustration: "They were crying bitterly."]
+
+"And my wife and family refuse to have anything to do with me," said one
+ridiculously tall individual.
+
+"And I can't squeeze into my own house, anyhow," wept the stout one.
+
+"The only way," said the Sage, after a moment's thought, with his
+forehead wrinkled into deep furrows, "is to send the Ki-Wi to the Court
+of the Little Panjandrum for a fresh authority. It's no use your having
+this one back if it won't act properly, is it?" he inquired, turning to
+the children.
+
+"Certainly not," said Dick; "but who is the Ki-Wi, please?"
+
+"Oh, he's the Court Messenger," explained the Sage, "and is the only one
+here allowed to enter the Court of the Little Panjandrum without
+permission."
+
+"Go and fetch him," he continued.
+
+And the gnomes disappeared, returning presently with the Ki-Wi (who
+turned out to be a curious kind of bird), and the written authority,
+which had been taken from the children.
+
+"Let me look at it," said the Sage, holding out his hand for the paper.
+
+[Illustration: "Produced a large document and began to read."]
+
+"Why, no wonder it won't act for the gnomes," he exclaimed, when he had
+read it.
+
+"It mentions you all by name--just try it yourselves, will you?"
+
+Dick took the paper from him, and said loudly, "We wish to be our own
+size again."
+
+To their great delight the children at once found themselves their usual
+height, and the onions, which had looked before like huge trees, now
+only reached a little above their heads, while the Sage and the other
+gnomes looked the tiniest little creatures again.
+
+"This is better," said Dick, shaking himself as though he had come out
+of the water.
+
+"Yes, isn't it good to be ourselves once more," said Marjorie.
+
+While Fidge jumped about delightedly, breaking down several of the onion
+plants, and almost treading on the Sage's hut.
+
+"Don't caper about like a lot of lunatics," shouted the little man,
+angrily. "Come and sit down and talk business. The Ki-Wi has something
+to tell you."
+
+All excitement to know what it could be, the children sat down again,
+and the Ki-Wi after fumbling about in his coat tail for some time,
+produced a large document and began to read.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE KING OF THE FISHES.
+
+
+"Um--ah--that is to say--er--notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise
+also, and as is herein aforesaid," began the Ki-Wi, in an important
+voice.
+
+"Hold on!" cried Dick. "We can't understand all that, you know. Why
+don't you say what you have to say in English?"
+
+"It is English," declared the Ki-Wi, in an aggrieved voice, "and very
+good English too."
+
+"Of course it is," chimed in the Sage.
+
+"Well we don't understand it, anyhow," maintained Dick. "It doesn't seem
+to mean anything at all."
+
+"Perhaps, Dick, dear," said Marjorie, "Mr. Sage will explain it to us.
+Let's see--it began----"
+
+"'Notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise, and as is herein aforesaid,'"
+repeated the Ki-Wi.
+
+"Well, I'll explain it, if you wish with pleasure," said the Sage,
+"though I can't see in the least why it should be necessary. It seems to
+me to perfectly simple. To begin with--'Notwithstanding' describes our
+position just now--Not-with-standing, or _not standing with_ the Ki-Wi.
+He is standing, while we are sitting down, you see; then 'nevertheless'
+means of course the same as _always-the-greater_, which exactly
+describes me. You see, my great learning and cleverness always makes me
+greater than the people I am speaking to, and consequently
+_never-the-less_. The next word is also descriptive of myself.
+'Likewise,' or _like a wise man_, which, I am sure, you will all agree
+that I am; and 'herein' means that my brains are all _in here_," said
+the Sage, tapping his head. "While 'aforesaid'--the last word--means
+that I have a strong head, or a _force-head_, do you see?"
+
+"Is the rest of the paper all about yourself, too, Sir?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Yes," was the complacent reply. "Go on, Ki-Wi."
+
+"I'm afraid we can't stop," interrupted Dick.
+
+"You see, we have got to hunt up that wretched Dodo, and perhaps we had
+better be going now."
+
+"Yes, we must be going now," chimed in Fidge, jumping up eagerly, for
+all this rigmarole had been very uninteresting to him.
+
+"Oh, I'm sorry you can't stay," said the Sage, in a disappointed voice.
+"I could have told you such a lot more about myself. You do think I'm
+clever though, don't you?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, immensely!" said the children, politely.
+
+"Thanks!" said the Sage. "Will you take a few onions with you as a
+memento of your visit?"
+
+"No thank you," said Marjorie, hurriedly.
+
+"They would remind you of me," suggested the Sage, wistfully; "Sage and
+onions you know."
+
+"No, thanks," said Dick, "I'm sure we shall remember you without."
+
+"Now that's _very_ kind of you," said the Sage, "and I'll do the best I
+can to help you in your search for the Dodo. Let's see, where did he say
+he was going to?"
+
+"The Equator," said Dick; "but I'm sure we can't go all that way after
+him, and get back in a week."
+
+"You could if you went by sea," said the Sage.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Dick.
+
+"Why, I could give you an introduction to the King of the Fishes, you
+know, and he _might_ lend you his dolphins; they travel at a rare pace,
+and would get you there in no time."
+
+"Oh, yes," cried Marjorie, "of course we _can_ go under the sea, don't
+you know, the paper says so. Wouldn't it be jolly, even if we didn't
+find the Dodo?"
+
+"Don't want to be drownded, and get all deaded," objected Fidge.
+
+"You wouldn't be, dear," said Marjorie. "Brother Dick wouldn't take us
+anywhere where we should come to any harm."
+
+"How should we get there, I wonder?" asked Dick, thoughtfully.
+
+"I'll show you--come along," said the Sage, getting up and leading the
+way.
+
+The children followed, and the little gnomes, now all reduced to their
+proper size, came trooping along after them.
+
+Presently they reached the edge of the cliff, and the sea, sparkling in
+the sunlight, lay at their feet some distance below.
+
+The Sage, hastily scribbling a note with a piece of pencil, thrust it
+into Dick's hand, and crying, "This is the quickest way!" deliberately
+pushed the children, one after the other, over the cliff.
+
+Before they had time to realize what had happened, or to become in the
+least alarmed, they found themselves slowly and comfortably sinking
+through the air; while a shriek of laughter from the gnomes caused them
+to look up to the edge of the cliffs, where they beheld all the little
+fellows leaning over and waving their pocket-handkerchiefs, while the
+Sage and the Ki-Wi stood in their midst.
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, as they descended, "isn't it fortunate we have the
+power to float in the air; it would have been an awful plunge otherwise,
+wouldn't it?"
+
+"Yes," agreed Dick, reaching out his hand to Fidge, who looked just a
+little wee bit frightened. "I wonder what it will be like on the sea."
+
+He had not to speculate long, however, for almost at that moment their
+feet touched the water, and they sank down, down, down through the clear
+green depths.
+
+"Oh, look!" cried Fidge, excitedly. "Fishes! Fishes!" and he started off
+swimming after them quite naturally.
+
+"One's got a hat on," he called out. "Look! look! there's another; oh,
+let's catch them!"
+
+"If you don't behave yourself you'll be locked up," said a severe voice,
+and, turning around, the children beheld a very stern-looking fish,
+wearing a helmet, and carrying a truncheon.
+
+"Now then, move on; don't obstruct the traffic!" he cried, angrily; and
+the children swimming off as hastily as they could, mentally put him
+down as a kind of sea policeman.
+
+"You certainly mustn't try and catch any of the fishes, Fidge, or you
+will be getting us all into trouble," said Dick. And Fidge, overawed by
+the policeman fish, became quiet subdued, and contented himself with a
+quiet "Look! look!" when they passed anything particularly strange or
+interesting.
+
+[Illustration: "The chair was floating just in front of them."]
+
+They had very nearly reached the bottom of the sea, when they noticed a
+singular-looking object floating some distance in front of them.
+
+"It looks like a chair!" declared Marjorie. "Why, I believe," she
+continued, as they drew nearer, "that it's the very one the Dodo was
+floating upon when we saw him last."
+
+"So it is!" cried Dick; "and look, there's a note on it--perhaps it's
+for us."
+
+They swam towards it as quickly as they could, and had just reached the
+chair, as a curious-looking fish--with a very long nose, and wearing
+shoes on the end of his long tail, and a tall hat--swam past.
+
+He looked at them inquisitively, and then stood a little way at the back
+of them, waiting till they should be disengaged.
+
+"To all to whom it may concern," read Dick, after he had picked up the
+note from off the chair. "I suppose that means us as much as any one."
+
+"Of course it does," agreed Marjorie. "It concerns us very much to find
+out where the Dodo is."
+
+Dick hesitated no longer, but opened the note eagerly. His face fell,
+however, when he beheld the contents.
+
+"_Mind your own business!_" he read, slowly. "What a sell! I believe the
+Dodo did write it, though, and intended it as a hint that we were not
+to try find and him. I'm half inclined to give it up."
+
+"But Dick, dear, remember," said Marjorie, "we shall be--er--you
+know--what the Ambassador said--if we don't find him."
+
+"Oh, ah," said Dick, "I'd forgotten that. Come on, then; let's see what
+can be done."
+
+"Can I be of any assistance?" said the thin fish, coming forward with a
+polite bow. "Have you lost anything?"
+
+"Oh, thanks," said Dick. "We're looking for a Dodo. Do you happen to
+have seen one about here?"
+
+"A Dodo," said the fish, reflectively. "I don't think I have the
+pleasure of the gentleman's acquaintance. What kind of a fish is he?"
+
+"Oh, he isn't a fish at all," explained Dick; "he is a kind of bird, you
+know."
+
+"Ah! birds we don't encourage below the surface, as a rule," said the
+fish, smiling indulgently. "You are scarcely likely to meet with him
+here. Perhaps His Majesty the King of the Fishes would advise you."
+
+"Oh, I have a letter of introduction to His Majesty," said Dick. "I'm
+afraid it's rather wet," he said, apologetically, drawing it from his
+pocket.
+
+"It would be unacceptable to His Majesty were it not so," said the fish.
+"Well, now, I _was_ going to a football match, it being a half-holiday;
+but under the circumstances, I will put it off, and escort you to the
+Palace. This way, please."
+
+Sinking down to the sand at the bottom of the sea, the fish led the way
+through a beautiful forest of waving seaweed, of all the colors of the
+rainbow. Exquisite shells were strewn about, and brightly-colored
+anemones clung to the rocks on every side, while all kinds of
+oddly-shaped fishes swam about, peering at the children curiously as
+they passed.
+
+Presently they came in sight of a kind of Palace, formed of
+quaintly-shaped pieces of coral, which, the fish explained, was where
+the King lived.
+
+"Just stay here a moment, please," said he; and the children waited
+outside while he went into the Palace.
+
+[Illustration: "'Bring them forward,' said the king of the fishes."]
+
+Fidge pulled aside a piece of seaweed, and they all peeped through a
+hole in the coral, and saw a large fish wearing a crown, and with a
+curious chain about his neck, to which was attached an enormous
+fish-hook, seated on a throne.
+
+Officers of State stood round about, and the little thin fish that had
+been so polite to them was bowing and scraping in quite a courtly
+fashion.
+
+He was evidently telling His Majesty all about them, for, after hearing
+what he had to say, the King of the Fishes nodded; and the thin fish
+came out, and informed them that they were to be admitted into the
+Presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+IN THE KING'S PRESENCE.
+
+
+"Do you understand fish-language?" whispered the little thin fish,
+hurriedly, as he was conducting them into the Presence Chamber.
+
+"I'm afraid not," replied Dick.
+
+"Then you must remain silent, for in the King's presence nothing but the
+fish-language is allowed to be spoken. I will interpret for you
+afterwards."
+
+Pushing aside some curtains of brightly-colored seaweed he led them into
+the Presence Chamber.
+
+The King received them very graciously, and held out one fin as they
+approached.
+
+"I expect we ought to kneel on one knee, and kiss it, like they do at
+presentations," whispered Marjorie.
+
+But Dick wasn't going to do anything of that sort, and just touched it
+lightly with one hand, while the others followed suit. The thin fish
+then motioned them to sit down on a kind of divan, upon which large
+sponges took the place of cushions, and which the children found to be
+most comfortable; and the audience began.
+
+The most extraordinary part about it was that not the slightest sound
+could be heard. The little thin fish opened and shut his mouth in
+little, short, jerky gasps, to which the King replied by slowly opening
+and shutting his, rolling his eyes about meanwhile, just as you may have
+seen fishes do in an aquarium.
+
+Then the little fish solemnly handed His Majesty the Sage's letter,
+which the King put on his gold-rimmed glasses to read.
+
+Having done so, he turned to the children and smiled, at least that's
+what they afterwards found out he was doing; but, really and truly, he
+made such a curious grimace that poor little Fidge was frightened, and
+wanted to run away.
+
+His Majesty then opened and shut his mouth very slowly three or four
+times, to which all the other fishes replied by swimming backwards
+three strokes, and then forward three strokes. Then the audience was at
+an end.
+
+[Illustration: "Some fishes were playing football."]
+
+The little thin fish came and whispered to the children, "It is usual
+for mortals, when leaving the presence of the King, to turn three
+somersaults backwards. Do you think you can do that?"
+
+"I'm afraid not," replied Dick, anxiously. "At least, I might be able to
+manage, but I don't know about Marjorie and Fidge."
+
+"Oh, never mind, then; I'll ask His Majesty to be good enough to excuse
+you," said the fish, and, making a low bow to the King, he explained the
+situation in a few short gasps.
+
+His Majesty thereupon left the audience chamber, having first graciously
+inclined his head towards the children.
+
+As he swam away, two little fishes attached themselves to the tip of His
+Majesty's tail, while another held the crown down on his royal head, to
+prevent it from slipping off, the rest of the audience swimming behind
+at a respectful distance, forming a sort of procession.
+
+"Well," began the thin fish, after the others had all gone, "I
+congratulate you. His Majesty had been good enough to place the Royal
+Dolphins at your disposal, and if the Dodo you are searching for is
+anywhere on, or in, the sea you ought to have no difficulty in finding
+him, for the Dolphins swim very quickly indeed, and can take you
+anywhere you like in a jiffy. Please follow me to the royal stables, and
+we will harness them."
+
+The children passed out after their kind little friend, and followed
+him into the gardens of the Palace, which they had to cross in order to
+reach the stables.
+
+Marjorie was enraptured at the sight of the beautifully-arranged
+gardens, in which brightly-colored anemones took the place of flowers.
+
+On a lawn of the finest short green seaweed, a number of globe-shaped
+fishes, with striped bodies, were playing football, and the children
+stopped a few minutes to watch the game.
+
+They were very much surprised to find that the football itself was a
+fish--a little round chap, just the shape of a football--who, on the
+players giving him a smart kick with their tail, shot up through the
+water and over the goal in no time.
+
+"Doesn't he object?" said Dick, after they had watched this performance
+for some time; "I know I should."
+
+"Oh, dear, no!" exclaimed their guide, "he enjoys it quite as much as
+the others do. You see, it's such a delightful sensation to be shot
+through the water without the effort of swimming; but, come along, we
+must be off if you are going to start to-day."
+
+"There's one little piece of advice I should like to give you in your
+search for the Dodo," he continued, kindly, as they swam along. "If you
+don't succeed in catching him one way, try another. Remember the bear
+with a cold."
+
+[Illustration: "And now he's quite well, thanks."]
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the children.
+
+"Don't you know the story of the bear with a cold?" was the reply.
+
+"No; do tell us!" they cried.
+
+[Illustration: "Come on, Marjorie, let's have a race."]
+
+"Why, you see," said the fish, "there was once an old bear, who had a
+dreadful cold, and his friends all advised him to try different things
+to cure it. One said one thing, and one another, and although he tried
+them all, one after the other, he didn't get any better; but still he
+persevered, and kept trying all the remedies they suggested, and at last
+he _was_ cured, and what do you think did it?"
+
+"What?" inquired the children.
+
+"Why, some one suggested putting his feet into hot mustard and water and
+drinking gruel--and he tried it several times with no effect; and at
+last he fortunately thought of reversing the process, so he put his feet
+into some thick gruel, and drank a lot of mustard and water, and now
+he's quite well, thanks. So don't you get discouraged if you don't find
+the Dodo at once; but, as I said before, if one way doesn't succeed, try
+another."
+
+"Thanks!" said the children, "we'll remember."
+
+Just then they found themselves before a kind of shed, built of coral,
+which the fish entered, returning shortly afterwards leading three
+curious-looking fishes by a simple sort of bridle.
+
+"Here they are!" he announced; "you will find them quite docile. Just
+mount them and see how you like their pace."
+
+The children needed no second invitation, and were soon astride their
+strange steeds.
+
+With a whisk of their tails they were soon off, dashing through the
+water at such a rate that the little thin fish had the greatest
+difficulty in keeping up with them, even for a short distance.
+
+"Oh! this is jolly!" cried Dick.
+
+"Come on, Marjorie, let's have a race."
+
+The Dolphins answered to the slightest pull at the reins, and the
+children hadn't the least fear; so, getting into a line, they waited for
+their friend the thin fish to come up and give them the signal to
+start.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE HUMAN RACE.
+
+
+The little thin fish seemed to be a long while catching them up, and,
+while they were waiting, Marjorie espied a curious figure poking about
+among the seaweed a short distance away from them.
+
+"I wonder what it is!" she cried, and the children dismounted from the
+Dolphins, and, tying them by the reins to some coral stumps, so that
+they could not swim away, they half walked and half swam over to where
+Marjorie had first noticed the creature, whatever it was.
+
+"Why, it's a man!" cried Dick, as they drew nearer, and could
+distinguish him more clearly.
+
+He was a wretched-looking old fellow, with a heavy sack upon his back,
+and was clothed only in a ragged old garment, which scarcely reached to
+his knees.
+
+"Poor man," said Marjorie, in a whisper, "how unhappy he looks; perhaps
+he has lost something."
+
+The man glanced up nervously as the children approached, and, clutching
+at his bag jealously, he demanded--
+
+"Who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"Nothing, thank you, poor old man," began Marjorie; "we were only----"
+
+The old man burst into a peal of hoarse laughter.
+
+"_Poor_ old man!" he exclaimed. "Do you know that I am the richest man
+in the world. Look!" he exclaimed, opening his bag before the children's
+astonished eyes. "Gold! jewels! riches! wealth! they are all
+mine--ha--ha--ha--ha!" and he laughed discordantly, and hugged the bag
+closely to himself again.
+
+"Oh, come away!" cried Marjorie, catching at Dick's arm. "I'm so
+frightened."
+
+"I'm the Old Man of the Sea," continued the man, "and all the treasures
+of the deep are mine. I have stacks of golden crowns and jewels without
+number, and each day I gather more--they are all mine--mine--mine!"
+
+"But where do they all come from?" asked Dick.
+
+"The bottom of the sea is strewn with riches," continued the old man,
+"and there is no one to reap the harvest but myself."
+
+"You must be very happy if you are so rich," said Dick. "It must be
+lovely to have all those things."
+
+"No, I am not happy," said the Old Man of the Sea. "I am very old, and
+very lonely, and there is no one here to admire my treasures but myself.
+The fishes will have nothing to do with me--they do not care for gold;
+it is valueless to them--and I may not go on land, so I am here alone
+with my riches, and every day I gather more and more. I have piled them
+high about my cave in a great circle, and some day, when it becomes
+top-heavy, it will fall over and crush me beneath it, and I shall be
+buried in a tomb of gold. No king, no emperor, had ever so grand a
+sepulchre as I shall have, but I am not happy--no--no--not happy, not
+happy."
+
+And the old man shouldered his bag and moved away, muttering
+sorrowfully.
+
+"Poor man, poor man," said Marjorie; "for he is poor, although he has so
+much wealth isn't he, Dick?"
+
+[Illustration: "Filling his bag with all kinds of treasure."]
+
+"Yes, jolly poor, and miserable too. I wouldn't be him for something,"
+said Dick. "Come on, it makes me wretched to think about him--let's get
+back to the Dolphins."
+
+When they reached them, they found that little friend, the thin fish,
+had arrived at last.
+
+"Hullo!" cried Dick. "What a jolly long while you have been catching us
+up. Wherever have you been to all this time?"
+
+"Why," explained the fish, "I thought I heard you saying something about
+a race, and suddenly I remembered what a splendid opportunity your visit
+down here would afford us of witnessing a real human race--you are
+human, aren't you?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," replied Dick.
+
+"That's right," said the fish. "Come on, the King is most anxious for
+the race to begin at once, and I promised to bring you back with me
+immediately."
+
+"But what _is_ a human race?" inquired Marjorie, as they mounted their
+Dolphins.
+
+"Oh, you'll see when we get back," was the reply, and, the little fish
+hanging on to one of the Dolphins' tails they were soon flying through
+the water at a rare rate.
+
+When they got back to the lawn by the King's Palace, the children were
+greatly astonished to see a big crowd of fishes drawn up in two lines,
+with a wide path between them. The King, on a shell throne, surrounded
+by his courtiers, was at one end, and several important-looking fishes
+were fussing about at the other, making a straight line with some little
+lumps of white chalk.
+
+There was a cheer when the children arrived on their Dolphins, and a
+rush was made to assist them to alight.
+
+"But what are we to do?" they inquired, rather dismayed at these
+elaborate preparations.
+
+"Show us a human race," was the reply.
+
+"Well, a human race is just like any other kind of race, I suppose,"
+said Dick, "the one who reaches the goal first wins. If we are going to
+race, though, we shall have to be handicapped."
+
+"What's that?" cried the fishes.
+
+"Why, you see," explained Dick, "it wouldn't be fair for us all to start
+from the same line, for Fidge, of course, cannot run as quickly as
+Marjorie or me; and Marjorie, too, being only a girl, will have to have
+a start allowed her, and this is called handicapping."
+
+"Very well, manage it your own way," was the reply. "When are you going
+to start?"
+
+"Oh, as soon as you like," said Dick. "Where's the winning-post?"
+
+"That white line up by the King's throne," said one of the fishes. And
+Dick, having given Fidge a very long start, and Marjorie a slight
+advantage, declared himself ready to begin.
+
+    "One, to make ready,
+    Two, to be steady,
+    Three, and--away!"
+
+shouted one of the principal fishes, and off they scrambled. I say
+scrambled, because if you have ever tried to run under water you will
+know that it is a very difficult thing to do--the weight of the water
+prevents you from getting along at all quickly. The fishes watching the
+race became very excited, and, in their eagerness to urge them on, kept
+getting in the children's way, swimming about in front of them, and
+getting mixed up with their arms and legs in a most confusing manner. At
+length, however, this extraordinary race came to an end, and the
+children arrived at the winning-post in the same order in which they had
+started.
+
+"Oh, I've won--I've won!" shouted Fidge, delightedly. "Haven't I, Dick?"
+
+[Illustration: "They were called before the king to receive their
+prize."]
+
+"Of course you have," said Dick, who had purposely been holding back to
+give the other two a chance.
+
+"Shall I get a prize?" whispered the little boy, anxiously.
+
+"Perhaps," answered Dick; "wait and see."
+
+Their little friend, the thin fish, had gone up to the King, and was
+talking very earnestly to him, and presently returning said that His
+Majesty had decided to give them all a prize.
+
+"Oh, I wonder what it will be!" said Marjorie, excitedly. "Fancy, having
+a prize from a real King!"
+
+"He's only a fish," said Dick.
+
+"Hush, dear, you'll hurt his feelings," whispered Marjorie, warningly.
+
+Just then the thin fish put on his top hat--he was the only one allowed
+to wear one in the King's presence--and began a long speech. He spoke so
+very softly, though, that no one could hear a word that he said; but, at
+regular intervals, all the other fishes clapped their fins, and called
+out, "Hear, hear!" most enthusiastically.
+
+"Whatever do you do that for?" inquired Dick, of one of them; "I'm sure
+you cannot hear a word of what he is saying."
+
+"Oh, no, we can't," admitted the fish, quite candidly; "but it's the
+proper thing to do, you know, it encourages him so."
+
+After the speech the children were called before the King to receive
+their prize.
+
+His Majesty did not speak to them, but motioned majestically to a large
+branch of pink coral near the throne, and they were thus given to
+understand that it was intended for them as a prize.
+
+Of course, they pretended to be highly gratified, though, in reality,
+they were greatly disappointed.
+
+"Stupid old thing! it's not a bit of use, even if we could carry it,"
+muttered Dick; and Fidge, too, was so cross that he nearly quarreled
+outright with a perky little fish who had been standing, hat in hand,
+near him, and who now came and sat down so close to him that his sharp
+scales scratched the little fellow's bare legs.
+
+A moment afterwards, however, they had all forgotten their ill-humor in
+their amusement at what was happening, for the King having withdrawn,
+the rest of the fishes each took a partner, and began whirling round
+and round in a frantic way in a mad kind of dance, to the strains of
+some weird music, provided by one or two of their number blowing through
+some long shells, whilst others used some smaller flat ones as
+castanets.
+
+[Illustration: "Whirling round and round in a frantic way."]
+
+"I suppose this is what is called a fish ball," said Dick, laughing
+heartily at the strange antics which the fishes were cutting.
+
+And just as Marjorie was about to reply a dark shadow passing overhead
+caused all of the children to look up.
+
+A pair of large webbed feet were seen slowly paddling above them, and
+beyond them the outline of a bird's body could be traced.
+
+Marjorie seized Dick's arm excitedly. "Look! look!" she exclaimed,
+hastily, "the Dodo!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DODO AT LAST.
+
+
+"I really believe it is the Dodo," said Dick. "Only I'm not quite sure
+if his feet _were_ webbed."
+
+"Oh, I don't think they were," declared Marjorie. "Now don't you think,"
+she continued, excitedly, "that it would be best for us just to swim
+quietly up to him, and catch hold of his legs; you see, he couldn't
+possibly get away then, and----"
+
+"All right," interrupted Dick. "Come on--steady now, so as not to alarm
+him."
+
+The feet above them were paddling leisurely along, and the children had
+no difficulty in quickly catching up to the bird, and, with a triumphant
+shout, Dick clutched hold of one leg, while Marjorie and Fidge hung on
+to the other.
+
+There was immediately a great outcry from above the water.
+
+"Help! Help! Fire! Police! Thieves!" cried a voice, and the feet began
+to kick so violently that the children had quite a difficulty to keep
+their hold.
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo tried to follow their example."]
+
+In response to the cries a number of other birds came flying to the
+rescue, and "splush," "splash," sounded on all sides as they settled
+down on the water.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried several voices at once.
+
+"Oh!" cried the bird which the children had captured, beating his wings
+about violently, and creating a terrible confusion, "a crab or something
+has caught hold of my legs, and I am being killed--help!--save me!--save
+me!"
+
+A confused sound of voices followed, and presently one or two heads
+appeared below the water; they were hastily withdrawn, however, and with
+an alarmed cry of "Sharks!" the other birds all flew away, leaving their
+luckless companion to his fate.
+
+The bird, when he found himself deserted by his friends, made more
+frantic efforts than ever to escape; and the beating of his wings upon
+the water caused the whole party to move slowly along.
+
+"What are we to do now?" whispered Marjorie; "we can't drag him
+underneath, or he'd be drowned, you know."
+
+"Oh, let's hang on," cried Dick, "perhaps he will drag us along till we
+come to land somewhere. I say," he shouted, "are you the Dodo, or not?"
+
+His voice could evidently not be heard above the water, for there was no
+reply from the bird, which continued making a terrific outcry, using
+every effort to get away from them.
+
+Presently, just as Dick had suggested, some rocks came in sight, and the
+children could see that they were being gradually dragged tards the
+shore.
+
+In a few minutes they had the satisfaction of being able to scramble out
+of the water, when they discovered, to their great dismay, that their
+captive was not the Dodo at all, but a great wild goose, who, when they
+hurriedly released his legs waddled awkwardly ashore, and gazed at them
+with reproachful eyes.
+
+A little way inland the Dodo himself could be seen standing, surrounded
+by an excited group of birds, who, when they caught sight of the
+children emerging from the water, immediately took to flight, screaming
+in horrified tones--
+
+"The Sharks! The Sharks! Here come the Sharks!"
+
+The Dodo tried to follow their example, and for a moment it looked as
+though the children would lose him after all; but it soon became evident
+that the creature could not fly, for after wildly beating the air for
+awhile, with his little apologies for wings, the miserable bird fell
+squalling into the water, while his companions disappeared in the
+distance.
+
+"Help! Help!" he screamed, as he struggled with the waves. "Don't you
+see that I'm drowning? Oh! Oh! Help! Help!"
+
+"Swim ashore," cried the children.
+
+"I can't," was the reply, in a faint voice. "I can't swim. Oh!--oh!
+there go my poor, dear gloves." This last as his wings, which he had
+been holding up out of the water, sank exhausted to his side.
+
+Dick plunged in, and soon brought the bird to shore, where he stood for
+a moment or two, ruefully regarding his white kid gloves, which the salt
+water had completely ruined, while the bow of his necktie had slipped
+around to the back of his neck.
+
+"A pretty figure I shall cut now at the Ichthyosaurus' At Home," he
+grumbled. "It's all your fault, too," he declared, ungratefully
+disregarding the fact that Dick had just rescued him from a watery
+grave. "What do you want with me, anyhow?"
+
+"Why, you see," hastily explained Dick, "the Ambassador to the Little
+Panjandrum sent us in search of you, and if we don't take you back in
+less than a week we're to be--er--er--something with an awfully long
+name----"
+
+"I know--Subtransexdistricated, that's it, isn't it?" said the Dodo.
+"They always threaten to do that to people. Ough! its perfectly
+horrible" he cried, shuddering.
+
+"What's it like?" asked the children, in an awe-stricken whisper.
+
+"Why," explained the Dodo, "you are mygrylaled in pslmsms till you
+saukle, and then you are taken out and gopheled on both sides for a
+fortnight. Ough! it's dreadful to think about, and I wouldn't dream of
+putting you to the risk of having it done to you. So I suppose I shall
+have to go back," he added, with a sigh. "It's jolly awkward, though!
+Oh, I _hate_ him!" he said, stamping his claw violently.
+
+"Who?" inquired the children.
+
+"The Little Panjandrum," was the reply. "Nasty, consequential little
+prig! And who is he, I should like to know? Panjandrums are not to be
+mentioned in the same breath as Dodos--we are a much more ancient family
+than they are, and, besides, _we_ are extinct," he said, proudly.
+
+"Oh, yes, of course," agreed Dick, who did not care to go into the Dodo
+private grievances, and who certainly did not care to run the risk of
+being "gopheled on both sides," whatever that might mean; "but don't you
+think we had better be going now?"
+
+"How are we going to get back?" demanded the Dodo, abruptly. "I can't
+swim and I can't fly. You'll have to carry me."
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed Marjorie, in dismay. "I'm sure we can't do
+that! Why, you are as big as we are!"
+
+"Well, I'm sure I don't know what is to be done," said the Dodo. "I
+won't get into the water again for _any one_, so there."
+
+Just then, Fidge, who had been playing on the shore, ran back with the
+news that the little thin fish wanted to speak to them.
+
+"Oh! Sorry to trouble you," he began, popping his head out of the water
+and raising his hat politely; "but His Majesty sent me to inquire how
+you were getting on. I see you have found him," he added, pointing to
+the Dodo.
+
+"Yes; but now we are in another fix," cried the children; "we don't know
+how to get the creature home."
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo cut a strange figure."]
+
+"Who are you calling a creature?" said the Dodo, sulkily.
+
+"Well, what else are you?" demanded Dick. "You're an awful nuisance,
+anyhow, and _I_ don't know how we are going to get you away from this
+place, I'm sure."
+
+"There are the Dolphins," suggested the little fish.
+
+"Why, yes, of course," cried Dick. "I had forgotten them. I suppose you
+can ride a Dolphin, can't you?" he inquired of the Dodo.
+
+"Don't know. Never tried. Daresay I could," answered the bird, sullenly.
+
+The fish disappeared, and returned a few minutes later with the three
+Dolphins in tow.
+
+Fidge was more than delighted to see the "horses," as he called them,
+again, and lost no time in getting astride of one; the others followed
+more deliberately, Marjorie taking her seat beside Fidge on the same
+fish.
+
+The Dodo cut a strange figure, and looked very nervous at first, as he
+clung to the slippery back of his strange steed.
+
+He seemed to feel at ease after a time, however, and when the children
+had bade their kind little friend, the thin fish, "Good-by," the party
+started off at a fine pace.
+
+"By the bye, have you any idea where we are going to?" remarked the
+Dodo, after they had been rushing along for some time.
+
+"Good gracious, no!" exclaimed Dick. "I thought you were directing us."
+
+"I haven't the remotest idea where we are," said the Dodo, coolly.
+
+"Why, then, we're lost!" cried Marjorie, in dismay.
+
+"Mother told me," said Fidge, solemnly, "that if I ever got lost, I was
+to ask a policeman to take me home."
+
+[Illustration: "At the entrance was a large walrus smoking."]
+
+"Yes, but I'm afraid there are no policemen about here," laughed the
+others.
+
+"What we had better do," said Dick, "is to push on till we come to land
+somewhere, or a ship, and inquire the way back."
+
+This was thought to be the best plan to pursue, and the children hurried
+along till Marjorie noticed that both the air and the water were growing
+fresher every moment, and she was just beginning to wonder what they
+were going to do if it grew much colder, when Dick cried out, in quite a
+nautical style--
+
+"Land on the larboard side!"
+
+"Hooroy!" shouted the others, "now we shall find out where we are," and
+they headed the Dolphins to where they could see a rough kind of
+landing-stage.
+
+The country looked very bleak and bare, but a little hut was visible a
+short distance from the shore, and the children, having fastened up the
+Dolphins to one of the wooden piles, assisted the Dodo to alight, and
+made their way towards it.
+
+At the entrance they saw a large Walrus with a pipe in his mouth, and on
+the ground beside him an Esquimaux dog, also smoking.
+
+Dick and the others hurried forward, and bowed politely.
+
+"_Wie geths?_" said the Walrus, taking the pipe from his mouth, and
+immediately putting it back again, while the little dog glanced at them
+inquisitively out of the corners of his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+AT THE NORTH POLE.
+
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Marjorie, staring blankly at her brother.
+
+"I don't know," confessed Dick. "I beg your pardon," he went on,
+addressing the Walrus, "but I didn't quite hear what you said."
+
+"_Sprechen sie Deutsch?_" inquired the Walrus, with an encouraging
+smile.
+
+"I can't tell what the chap is talking about," said Dick, turning to the
+others in dismay.
+
+"Dond't you undershtandt German, eh?" said the Walrus. "Ach! dat vos
+verry bad," and he shook his head reproachfully.
+
+"I don't know," argued Dick. "I can't see that it matters much. We are
+not likely to go there, you know."
+
+"Not?" said the Walrus, lifting his eyebrows. "Vell, dere vos some funny
+peoples in der vorld. Perhaps you dond't _vant_ to go dere?"
+
+"Not much," admitted Dick.
+
+The Walrus shrugged his shoulders, and looked commiseratingly at the
+dog, who gave a sniff, and shrugged his shoulders too.
+
+"What we want to know," said Dick, in a businesslike way, "is, Where are
+we now, and how are we to get back to England?"
+
+"Vell, you vas in Germany now," said the Walrus.
+
+"Germany!" exclaimed the children, in surprise. "Why, we're quite near
+to England, then."
+
+"No," said the Walrus, shaking his head.
+
+"But we must be," persisted Dick.
+
+"No," repeated the Walrus. "Dis is not der Germany you mean, but id is
+Germany all der same--most of der vorld is Germany."
+
+"What nonsense!" laughed Dick. "I'm sure it isn't. Why, there's heaps of
+places besides Germany. There's--er--Africa, for instance----"
+
+"Thadt's Germany!" said the Walrus, nodding violently.
+
+"Africa is?" cried Dick.
+
+"Yah! das is so," said the Walrus. "Africa, und China, und alle der
+blaces--dey is all Germany."
+
+"The chap is evidently a little wrong in the head," explained Dick to
+the others in a whisper. "Never mind; don't take any notice. Well, to
+come to the point, _can_ you direct us home again, that is the
+question?" he asked, aloud.
+
+"No," said the Walrus, shaking his head.
+
+"Or to the Equator?" suggested the Dodo, smoothing out his gloves.
+
+The Walrus stared for a moment, and then, pointing to the Dodo with the
+stem of his pipe, inquired, "Vat is dat ting?"
+
+The Dodo drew himself up to his full height, and gave him a withering
+look. "How dare you?" he cried.
+
+"Vell, vat _is_ id, anyhow?" chuckled the Walrus. "I never saw
+somethings like id before, never!"
+
+"Of course not," said the Dodo, with dignity, "Our family have been
+extinct for some time."
+
+[Illustration: When the children got into the clumsy fur garments, they
+found them exceedingly comfortable.--Page 95. _Dick, Marjorie and
+Fidge._]
+
+"Vell, und vy didn't you keep so?" asked the Walrus. "It vas der best
+ting vat you could do. Dere is no goot for such tings like you to be
+aboudt."
+
+"Come along," said the Dodo, turning to the others; "let's go. I was
+never so insulted in all my life."
+
+"Ach! don't ged in a demper," said the Walrus, complacently. "Dat is no
+goot also. Come, I show you der vay to der Equador--dat is Germany,
+too," he added, in parenthesis. "Bud you must haf some glothes first to
+vare," he cried, looking at the children's scanty garments. "Id is so
+gold dere."
+
+"Cold at the Equator?" laughed Marjorie. "Why, I always thought that it
+was very hot."
+
+"Ach! dat is so," said the Walrus. "But id is der gedding dere dat is so
+gold. Come, I gif you some oudtfids," and he led the way into the little
+hut, which was hung all around with clumsy-looking fur garments, which,
+however, when they had got into them, the children found to be
+exceedingly comfortable.
+
+Besides the clothes, there were all kinds of stores piled up around the
+inside of the hut, and a quantity of snowshoes of various shapes, and
+little sleds, like those which Dick remembered having seen in pictures
+of Polar expeditions.
+
+When the children had been accommodated with some garments, the Walrus
+turned to the Dodo, and said, "Veil, now, I egspecdt dat you vant some
+glothes, too, dond't id?"
+
+"No, thank you," said the Dodo, proudly, settling his necktie and
+folding his wings primly. "I have my gloves; they are quite
+sufficient."
+
+"Bud you haven't any ting on your body," said the Walrus. "You bedder
+haf some glothes, eh?" and he kindly brought forth some very large
+leather breeches, which the Dodo, after some hesitation, consented to
+put on.
+
+Next the Walrus took down a rough, hairy coat, with mittens attached to
+the sleeves.
+
+"Gom, put your arms in dis," he said, "and trow avay dose gloves you got
+on."
+
+"What!" cried the Dodo, "take off my gloves? Never!"
+
+And he wouldn't either; but put his wings (such as he had) into the
+coat sleeves with the gloves still on the end of them.
+
+[Illustration: "'What' cried the Dodo, 'take off my gloves? Never!'"]
+
+"Now you musdt haf some stores," said the Walrus, going to the cupboard,
+and bringing out some tins of sardines, some jam, and other things,
+which he carefully tied on to the sled.
+
+"Now ve are ready to stardt," he said, when these preparations were
+completed; and after harnessing the little dog to the sled the party
+made a move.
+
+"I haven't the least idea where we are going to," said Dick, as they
+walked along; "have you?"
+
+"Not the slightest," said the Dodo. "I don't suppose it matters much,
+though, as long as we get somewhere or another."
+
+The old Walrus was trudging along in front, leading Fidge (who seemed to
+have taken a violent fancy to him) by the hand; presently he stopped in
+front of a big round hole, and waited for the others to catch up to him.
+
+"Here ve are," he said, pointing to the enormous hole, which looked like
+the crater of an extinct volcano lined with ice.
+
+"Whatever is that?" asked Marjorie, peering over the edge curiously.
+
+"Der North Bole," said the Walrus. "Id vas German, too," he added,
+emphatically.
+
+"The North Pole!" exclaimed the children. "Why, there isn't any pole at
+all!"
+
+"No," said the Walrus, "das is so, id vas meldted all avay."
+
+[Illustration: "'Well, good-bye,' said Dick."]
+
+"Good gracious!" cried Dick.
+
+"Yah! id vas mit der lightning struck, und meldted all avay, und made a
+big hole in der ground all der vay trough der earth to der Equador. Id
+vas made in Germany, dat pole," he added.
+
+The children gazed with wondering eyes into the deep, dark hole, and
+Marjorie clung to Dick's arm nervously. "How wonderful!" she exclaimed;
+"but I'm glad we've seen where it was, aren't you, Dick?"
+
+But Dick was thinking deeply.
+
+"Are you sure it went right through to the Equator?" he asked of the
+Walrus.
+
+"Yah!" said that worthy, "for sure."
+
+"Then if we slid through, we should come out at the other end?" said
+Dick.
+
+"Yah! das is so," said the Walrus, nodding violently.
+
+"Well, then, I think we'll do it," said Dick, boldly.
+
+"Oh, Dick!" cried Marjorie, in alarm.
+
+"Well, why not?" said Dick, for, really, so many strange things had
+happened that nothing seemed impossible to him now. "It would be rather
+jolly to see what it's like at the other end, and it's no use stopping
+here. Do you know your way from the Equator?" he added, turning to the
+Dodo.
+
+"Yes," said the bird, who was quite ready to start on the perilous
+voyage, and, grasping Fidge by the hand, he gave a loud whoop, and began
+to slide down the steep incline.
+
+"Well, good-by," cried Dick, hurriedly, shaking hands with the Walrus.
+"Thanks for all your kindness." And, jumping on the sled behind
+Marjorie, he pushed off, and they shot over the edge after the others.
+
+They just caught a glimpse of the little dog throwing up his arms in
+surprise, and as they disappeared into space they heard the old Walrus
+crying, in an anxious voice--
+
+"Gom back! gom back! I forgot to tell you somedings."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES.
+
+
+It was all very well for the Walrus to shout "Come back!" but _that_ was
+a matter of utter impossibility, for down--and down--and down the
+children sped at a terrific rate, so quickly indeed that after a moment
+or two they must have lost their senses completely, for not one of them
+could remember anything about the marvelous journey through the center
+of the earth.
+
+"It seemed," Dick explained afterwards, "as though we were falling
+through a big black hole for hours and hours, and then, all of a sudden,
+it was light again, and we shot out into the air at the other end."
+
+The children were greatly relieved to find that they were not expected
+to walk on their heads, as they had vaguely feared might have been the
+case on the other side of the world. "But, of course," Marjorie
+explained, "we are not really _quite_ on the other side, or we should
+be at the South Pole, and that would be as cold as where we came from,
+wouldn't it, Dick?"
+
+"I suppose so," answered Dick, looking about him. "Well, this place is
+hot enough, anyhow, whew!" and he unbuttoned the heavy fur coat which he
+had been glad enough to put on a short time before.
+
+"We are probably somewhere near the Equator," remarked the Dodo,
+pointing to the palms and other tropical plants to be seen on every
+side. "I've heard that this sort of thing grows there."
+
+"In that case we have only to find out where the sea is, and wait on the
+shore for a passing ship to come and take us back to England," said
+Marjorie, who was as fond as her brother of reading books of adventure,
+and so knew exactly what to expect under the circumstances.
+
+Fidge had divested himself of his snowshoes and heavy Arctic outfit, and
+was eagerly chasing some gaudy butterflies which were flitting about
+amongst the bright tropical flowers, and the others, feeling the heat
+very oppressive, were glad to follow his example, and get rid of their
+cumbersome clothing. Marjorie made a neat little bundle of them, and hid
+them behind a big stone, and then, calling Fidge to them, the party set
+out to explore the surrounding country.
+
+They had not gone far before they heard a voice crying out in a
+peremptory way--
+
+"Now then! move on, there!"
+
+The Dodo was highly indignant at being addressed in this unceremonious
+way, particularly as he once more displayed his white kid gloves and his
+bright necktie, and consequently, imagined that he presented a dignified
+and imposing appearance.
+
+"Who's that?" he cried, looking about him angrily.
+
+"Now then, move on! Do you hear?" cried the voice again.
+
+The children stared to the right and left, in front of them, and behind
+them, but no one was in sight.
+
+"That's very strange!" exclaimed Dick. "Whoever can it be?"
+
+"_Will_ you move on, there?" shouted the voice, louder than ever, and,
+looking up into the trees, the children saw a huge green parrot, with a
+red tail, hanging down from one of the branches by one claw, while he
+shook the other at them menacingly.
+
+"Bah! it's only a parrot," said the Dodo, in a contemptuous voice.
+
+"What!" screamed the bird; "only a parrot, indeed. Who are you, I should
+like to know?"
+
+"We're tourists," said the Dodo, importantly. "These--ahem--gentlemen,
+and this lady and myself, are on our way to visit the Ichthyosaurus,
+while you are merely a common or garden parrot, and not at all fit and
+proper person for us to be seen talking to. Come along," he added to the
+others, grandly, and started to walk off with his beak in the air.
+
+"Hoity, toity! Not so fast," said the parrot. "I've no doubt you think
+yourself very grand with your kid gloves and your consequential airs;
+but allow me to inform you that _I_ am some one of consequence in these
+parts, too. I am a police officer, and regulate the traffic, so move
+on, there, and don't block the way."
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, "if this--er--" (she was going to say "bird," but
+thought perhaps the parrot might be offended, and she certainly couldn't
+say "gentleman," so she got out of it this way)--"if this is a police
+officer, perhaps he could be kind enough to direct us to where the
+steamboats start for England."
+
+"I daresay I _could_ if I wanted to," said the parrot, ungraciously,
+"but I don't choose. Move on! You are stopping the traffic."
+
+"What nonsense! you ridiculous bird; there is not any traffic," said
+Dick.
+
+"Oh! isn't there? A lot _you_ know about it," replied the parrot.
+"There's a vehicle coming along this way now."
+
+The children turned around, and, sure enough, there was a something
+coming down the road, though what it was the children couldn't determine
+till it came a little closer. They waited and waited, but it scarcely
+seemed to move at all, and, at last, Dick, whose curiosity was greatly
+aroused, proposed going to meet it.
+
+"Let's go and fetch the clothes the Walrus gave us first," suggested
+Marjorie, wisely, and so they ran off to the rock behind which they had
+hidden them.
+
+[Illustration: "The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them somewhat."]
+
+To their great surprise, they found a party of apes and monkeys calmly
+trying the things on, and apparently enjoying themselves very much
+indeed. The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them considerably, however, and
+they were undecided whether to regard them as musical instruments or a
+novel form of headgear.
+
+"Hi! Just you put those clothes down at once!" shouted Dick. "How dare
+you interfere with our things!"
+
+"They're not yours," said one of the monkeys. "Findings keepings. We
+found them, and so they are ours."
+
+"Indeed they are not. Give them back at once!" demanded Dick.
+
+"Shan't!" screamed the monkeys, impudently, and, scampering up into the
+trees beyond the children's reach, they made grimaces at them, and
+openly defied them. Indeed, one of them went so far as to climb up into
+a cocoanut palm and began pelting the children with the nuts.
+
+Fortunately, none of them reached the mark, however, and the children,
+hastily gathered one or two of the cocoanuts, abandoned the clothes,
+which, really, were not of much value to them now, and fled.
+
+This little incident had almost driven from their mind the recollection
+of the vehicle which they had seen in the high-road, but a rumbling
+sound, as they neared the place where they had last seen it, reminded
+them of the fact, and they hurried up to the spot from whence the sounds
+proceeded.
+
+[Illustration: "'I shall get very angry in a minute,' said the Dodo."]
+
+To their great astonishment, they found a clumsy-looking cart, somewhat
+resembling the pictures which they had seen of the old Roman chariots,
+to the shafts of which a sleepy-looking sloth-bear was attached.
+
+"Ha! ha! what a funny horse," laughed Fidge. "It is a horse, isn't it,
+Dick?"
+
+"No," said Dick; "I don't think so."
+
+"Horse! no, indeed," said the Dodo. "It's a kind of camel."
+
+"I ain't," said the sloth-bear, with a yawn.
+
+"You shouldn't say 'ain't,'" said the Dodo, rebukingly. "What are you,
+then?"
+
+There was no answer, the creature had gone to sleep.
+
+"Wake up! wake up!" cried the Dodo, shaking him violently. "The idea of
+dropping off to sleep when any one is talking to you!"
+
+"I thought you were going to preach," explained the sloth-bear. "You
+began talking about something that I shouldn't do or say, and I always
+go to sleep when people talk to me like that--it's so stupid of them."
+
+"Where are you going to?" asked the Dodo.
+
+"I don't know," was the reply. "Where are you?"
+
+"We want to get to the place where the steamers start for England,"
+explained Marjorie.
+
+"Jump in, then," said the sloth-bear, jerking his head in the direction
+of the cart; and the children, highly delighted at the prospect of a
+ride, all scrambled in.
+
+Dick took the reins, and Marjorie made herself comfortable beside him,
+while Fidge dangled his legs over the back of the "chariot," the Dodo
+solemnly squatting down at his side, with his gloves carefully
+displayed, and his necktie properly adjusted.
+
+"Now then," said Dick, shaking the reins, "we are ready to start. Go on,
+please."
+
+There was no answer, and it transpired that the creature was asleep
+again.
+
+"Good gracious!" said the Dodo, impatiently, "we shall never get
+anywhere at this rate. I say, do wake up," he cried, going up to the
+sloth-bear and giving him a good shake.
+
+"Oh! are you ready?" said that individual, waking up slowly. "Come on,
+then!" and he took two or three steps forward, and then stopped to rest,
+his eyes gradually closing, and his head beginning to sink.
+
+"Come, come!" said the Dodo, getting in front of him, grasping the
+reins, and pulling with all his might. "I shall get very angry with you
+in a minute. It's perfectly ridiculous going on in this way; however do
+you imagine we are to get to our destination if you waste time in this
+manner?"
+
+The answer was a loud snore from the sloth-bear, who had once more
+fallen into a deep sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE SKIPPER OF THE ARGONAUT.
+
+
+"Well, of all the stupid creatures," said the Dodo, "I think that this
+is the most remarkable. Here, I say! Wake up, will you!" and he gave the
+reins another sharp pull.
+
+The sloth-bear blinked his eyes, sleepily, and muttered, "What's up?"
+
+"Why, aren't you going to make a start?" inquired the Dodo, angrily;
+"how do you suppose we shall ever get to our destination if you go on
+like this?"
+
+The sloth-bear, after staring vacantly awhile slowly shook his head.
+"Speed not to exceed quarter of a mile an hour, them's my orders," he
+said, "and four times nine is--er--ninety-nine, so you'll get there
+about next Thursday week. Y--ah--a--a--ow," and he gave another
+tremendous yawn, as his head sank between his knees again.
+
+"Good gracious! what's to be done?" said Dick, getting down from the
+chariot. "It's not the slightest use our trying to go anywhere in this
+thing."
+
+"What did he mean by saying four times nine were ninety-nine? They
+ain't," said Fidge, "'cos I know my 'four times,' and four nines are
+thirty-six."
+
+"Perhaps it was something to do with the number of miles we shall have
+to travel before we reach the place where the ships start from,"
+suggested Marjorie.
+
+"Wake him up again, will you, please?" she said, turning to the Dodo.
+"Perhaps he will tell us."
+
+"All right," said the Dodo, "I'll wake him up. Here!" he cried, going up
+to the sloth-bear, and giving him a good shake. "Wake up! Wake up!"
+
+The creature slowly lifted his head, and, staring reproachfully at the
+Dodo, began to cry. "Boo--hoo--hoo! Boo--hoo--hoo!" he sobbed. "It's a
+shame, it is."
+
+"What's the matter now, cry-baby?" asked the Dodo.
+
+"Why can't you let me alone?" whined the sloth-bear. "I've never done
+nothing to you, have I? Why can't you let a poor beast sleep in peace?"
+
+"Oh, for goodness' sake let the lazy old thing go to sleep if it wants
+to," said Dick, impatiently, while tender-hearted Marjorie went up to
+the creature and stroked and comforted it as best she could.
+
+Her pity was wasted, however, for almost before the last words were out
+of its mouth the sloth-bear was snoring peacefully with a contented
+smirk on its face.
+
+"Come on," said Dick, "let's try and find the way ourselves. Oh! I
+know," he exclaimed; "of course, why we've forgotten all about the power
+we have of floating in the air; we'll rise up above the trees, and then
+we shall soon see where the sea is."
+
+No sooner said than done. The children just expressed the wish, and, as
+the Little Panjandrum's Ambassador had promised them, they found that
+they had the power of rising at will.
+
+"Jolly, isn't it?" said Dick, as they floated upwards, leaving the Dodo
+gazing after them enviously.
+
+"Like being in a b'loon," chuckled Fidge, clutching at the leaves of a
+tree as he passed through them. Fidge never would pronounce balloon
+properly.
+
+"Oh! look!" cried Marjorie, as they passed above the trees, "there's the
+sea over there, and some houses, and people on the beach. I can see them
+quite distinctly. Oh, jolly, we can soon fly over there; come on."
+
+"What about the Dodo?" asked Dick.
+
+"Oh, of course. I'd forgotten him. Let's see, he can't fly, can he?"
+
+"Judging by the exhibition he made of himself when we first saw him, I
+should say not," laughed Dick.
+
+"Well, perhaps we could carry him between us," suggested Marjorie, "he
+doesn't look _very_ heavy."
+
+"All right, let's try," said her brother, and, having made quite sure of
+the direction in which the sea lay, they slowly descended to the ground
+again.
+
+"Find out what you wanted to?" asked the Dodo, who had taken off his
+gloves, and was blowing into them to take out the creases.
+
+"Yes," said Dick, "there are a few houses by the side of the sea about
+two miles to the left; do you think you could manage to fly as far as
+that?"
+
+The Dodo smiled in a sickly sort of way. "I'm a little out of practise,"
+he faltered.
+
+"Well, do you think that if we each took hold of one of
+your--ahem--wings, we could get along that way?"
+
+"You wouldn't crush my gloves?" asked the Dodo, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, you could take them off, you know," said Dick, "and put them in
+your p----" (he was going to say pocket, but suddenly remembered that
+the Dodo hadn't one)--"in my pocket till we get there, if you like," he
+added.
+
+"What!" cried the Dodo, indignantly, "travel without my gloves! Never!
+It wouldn't be respectable. I shouldn't think of doing such a thing!"
+
+"Oh, well, come, on then; let's try this way," said Dick, putting his
+arm under one of the Dodo's wings, while Marjorie did the same to the
+other. "Now then--one--two--three."
+
+Slowly, very slowly, the children rose, for the Dodo was rather heavy
+after all, as he dangled down clumsily and uncomfortably between them.
+
+I think they would have managed, however, but just as they had reached
+the lower branches of the trees, they heard a voice scream furiously--
+
+"_Now_, then, what are you up to?"
+
+In their agitation they let go of the Dodo, who, after making several
+frantic efforts to support himself, fell to the ground with a dull thud.
+
+"What are you up to, I say?" said the voice again, and the children
+could see that the parrot, who had been so insolent to them before, was
+sitting on one of the branches near them.
+
+"Pretty objects you are making of yourselves, I must say," he remarked,
+sneeringly. "What do you think you are doing, I should like to know?"
+
+"I don't see what it has to do with you," said Dick, crossly, while the
+Dodo, with his eyes shut and his head on one side, ran about rubbing his
+back with one pinion, and crying, "Oh! oh! oh!" for he had evidently
+hurt himself very much.
+
+"You don't, do you?" said the parrot. "Well, then, it has a great deal
+to do with me. Trying to fly, weren't you? Well, you are not birds, and
+it isn't allowed; do you hear? The idea of mere human creatures aping
+their betters in that way. Flying, indeed! Don't you let me catch you at
+it again, or you will be sorry for it, I can tell you. Now move on, and
+walk on your feet in a sensible way, like rational human beings. Go
+along! What next, I wonder!"
+
+He was evidently so very angry that the children thought it best not to
+provoke him further, so, leading the Dodo, who hobbled along painfully,
+they walked silently away in the direction of the sea, while the parrot
+watched them with a severe expression, screaming out--"Move on! move
+on!" every time they stopped.
+
+"What a disagreeable bird," whispered Marjorie, when they had gone some
+little distance.
+
+"Wretch!" declared the Dodo, rubbing his back.
+
+"For two pins I'd wring his neck," muttered Dick, angrily.
+
+"Much obliged, I'm sure," said a mocking voice overhead, and there was
+that wretched parrot, looking down from one of the upper branches.
+
+"Listeners never hear any good of themselves," remarked the Dodo.
+
+"Pooh!--as though I cared what _you_ thought about me," said the parrot.
+"Why, if I liked, I could--oh!" he cried, looking off to the left, "the
+Skipper," and, spreading his wings, he flew rapidly away with every sign
+of alarm.
+
+The children followed his glance, and saw coming towards them a very
+stout, very jolly-looking sailor, with a red, hearty face and a jovial
+smile. To their great surprise, they saw that he was using a
+skipping-rope, and skipping towards them, smiling good-naturedly.
+
+"Thank goodness, here's a man at last," said Dick. "Now we shall be
+able to find out something as to where we are, and how we are to get
+home again."
+
+"Ship ahoy!" called out the sailor, when he first saw them.
+
+[Illustration: "'They calls me a skipper,' said he, 'because I skips.'"]
+
+"How do you do?" said Dick, politely offering his hand.
+
+"Stop a bit, my hearty," said the sailor. "Salt!" and he began skipping
+rather quickly. "Pepper!!" and he quickened the pace considerably.
+"Mustard!!!" and the rope flew round so quickly that the children could
+hardly see it, while the jolly fat sailor skipped up and down furiously.
+Presently he stopped, and sank exhausted on a stone, puffing and blowing
+with all his might.
+
+"I'm a Skipper," he panted, in an explanatory tone.
+
+"A Skipper!" exclaimed the children.
+
+"Yes, they calls me a Skipper," said he, "because I skips."
+
+"But I thought a Skipper was a kind of Captain or something," said
+Marjorie.
+
+"Quite right, my little dear; I'm Captain of the tidiest craft ye ever
+set eyes on. She's lying out yonder. Will ye come and have a look at
+her?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," said Dick, delightedly; "and perhaps you can tell us
+the way to get to England?"
+
+"To be sure I can," said the Skipper. "There are my men," he said,
+proudly, as they came to an open space, where a dozen or more sailors,
+of all ages, sat at spinning wheels, working industriously.
+
+"Whatever are they doing?" inquired Marjorie, curiously.
+
+[Illustration: "Each sailor was spinning a yarn."]
+
+"Spinning yarns," explained the Skipper; "each sailor is spinning a
+yarn--they always do that in their spare time, you know. Here, Bill," he
+called out to one of the sailors, who answered, "Aye, aye, Sir," and
+touched his forelock. "Bring some of your yarn here, and show this young
+lady."
+
+The man said, "Aye, aye, Sir," again, and came forward with some coarse
+brown worsted.
+
+"This," said the Skipper, "is the toughest yarn you will find anywhere.
+We are celebrated for it here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE ARCHÆOPTERYX.
+
+
+"But we always thought----" began Marjorie--
+
+"That when people spoke of a sailor 'spinning a yarn,' they meant
+telling a story," finished Dick.
+
+"Oh! oh! how _could_ you think such a thing," said the sailors,
+indignantly. "Sailors always tell the truth; don't they, Skipper?"
+
+The Skipper winked at Dick with one eye, and answered, guardedly, "Ahem!
+I _have_ heard a sailor speak the truth, certainly, but----"
+
+"Let's change the subject," said the sailors, getting up from their
+wheels. "Isn't it nearly time for us to be starting on another voyage?"
+
+"When we get some passengers, it will be," responded the Skipper,
+gruffly. "By-the-bye," he added, turning to the children; "_you_ want to
+go somewhere or another, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, to England," said Dick, eagerly. "Do you go there, please?"
+
+"H'm! Never heard of the place as I knows of," said the Skipper,
+scratching his head. "We might cruise about till we come across it, if
+you like, though."
+
+"Never heard of England!" exclaimed Dick.
+
+"No," said the Skipper, unconcernedly. "I never had no time to study
+goggerfy, I didn't, so there's lots of places I don't know, no more than
+the Man in the Moon."
+
+"But don't you find it very awkward?" cried the children; "however do
+you know how to go from one place to another?"
+
+"We don't know," said the Skipper, laughing; "that's just the fun of the
+thing. We get into our ship, and just go on and on till we come to
+somewhere or another, and then we land, you know. It's much the best
+way, and saves such a lot of bother."
+
+"I am afraid we should be a long while reaching England that way,"
+remarked Dick, dubiously.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," said the Skipper, "we might drop across it the first
+time, you know. You see, it's not much use knowing in which direction
+it lies, because, once you get out to sea, there are no roads and
+things, so one way is as good as another."
+
+"But don't you use a compass?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"What's that, Miss?" asked the Skipper.
+
+"Why, a little thing that always points to the North," said Marjorie.
+
+"Blessed if I know, Miss," said the Skipper, good-naturedly. "Here,
+Bill," he called to one of the sailors, "do we use a little thing that
+always points to the North?"
+
+"Not as I knows on," answered the man, sulkily. "We ain't got none of
+them newfangled things, and don't want 'em."
+
+"Dear me, what a very odd ship yours must be," said Dick. "Is it a
+steamer, or a sailing vessel, please?"
+
+"Oh, it's partly a sailing vessel and partly a rowing boat," said the
+Skipper. "She's a very fine ship," he added, proudly, "come and have a
+look at her."
+
+The children followed him to a kind of rough harbor, where a most
+extraordinary craft was moored. She looked very like a picture which
+all the children remembered having seen in an old book at home, and
+although there was a small sail, a number of gaily-painted paddles
+sticking through the side of the huge boat, showed that, as the Skipper
+had said, rowing played a very important part in moving it along.
+
+"What a dear old-fashioned thing," exclaimed Marjorie, directly she saw
+it.
+
+The Skipper looked rather hurt. "It isn't more than a thousand years
+old," he remarked.
+
+"Well, that's an awful long time for a ship to last, isn't it?" said
+Marjorie, pleasantly.
+
+"Our family is much older than that," chimed in the Dodo,
+consequentially. "We date back to----"
+
+"Oh, please don't go into ancient history," said the Skipper, "I can't
+bear it; it reminds me so of my younger days, when I was first learning
+to skip."
+
+"What _do_ you mean?" asked the children.
+
+"Why, when I was a little boy, you know," explained the Skipper, "I used
+to skip all the dry parts of a book--and the pages and pages I used to
+skip of my ancient history you'd never believe. It was that which
+decided my parents upon making me a Skipper. 'He'll never do for
+anything else,' they used to say?"
+
+"Well, are you going aboard or not?" he added, "because, if so, we ought
+to be starting."
+
+"Oh, yes, let's go," pleaded Marjorie, "we might just as well be on
+board as at this place, you know, and we shall, at any rate, be going
+somewhere, and perhaps we shall find some one who knows the way to
+England on the sea."
+
+So the children and the Dodo went aboard, and the Skipper blew a little
+whistle, which he wore tied around his neck by a white cord, and the
+sailors all came running up, bringing their spinning wheels, which they
+packed away at the bow of the vessel, and then settled themselves down
+at the oars. At the other end was a cosy little cabin, and above it a
+small deck, upon which the little passengers made themselves quite
+comfortable, and the Captain ordered the scales to be brought up from
+below.
+
+"What are they for?" asked Dick, who, boy-like, always wanted to know
+the reason for everything.
+
+"To weigh the anchor with," explained the Skipper, seriously. "We always
+have to weigh it when we start on a voyage, and again when we reach our
+journey's end."
+
+"What for?" asked Dick, who certainly remembered having heard the
+expression "weighing the anchor" before.
+
+"Oh, I don't know, I'm sure," said the Skipper; "pack of nonsense, I
+calls it; but it's the custom, and it's got to be done."
+
+So the anchor was duly weighed, and the exact weight put down in a book,
+and the _Argosy_, as the ship was called, slowly moved out of the
+harbor.
+
+It was a beautiful day, but there was just a little breeze blowing, and
+the sea was a little "choppy" outside, and, as a consequence, the
+_Argosy_ rolled a little.
+
+After they had been out at sea for about an hour, and the Skipper had
+been letting them take turns in looking through his telescope, the Dodo
+suddenly muttered something about having "forgotten his
+pocket-handkerchief," and hurried down into the cabin.
+
+"Why, I didn't know he had one," said Marjorie, wonderingly.
+
+[Illustration: "Hope you're feeling better, Sir."]
+
+The Skipper winked, and said in a whisper behind his hand, "They always
+say that; he's gone to lie down, the motion of the boat has made him
+feel a little seasick."
+
+The Dodo didn't come up for a long while and at last the Skipper said
+he would go down and see if he wanted anything.
+
+He found the poor bird looking the picture of misery, lolling limply
+against the cushioned seat.
+
+"Hope you're feeling better, Sir," he said, respectfully, tugging at his
+forelock.
+
+"Oh! oh!" groaned the Dodo. "Do throw me overboard, and let me die."
+
+"Nonsense," said the Skipper, cheerfully. "You'll be all right in an
+hour or two."
+
+"Oh, no," said the bird; "I shall never be well again. I have never,
+never felt so ill in all my life."
+
+"Lie down, Sir, and I'll cover you up with this rug," said the Skipper,
+kindly; "you'll be better presently."
+
+"Don't tell the others," gasped the bird, faintly.
+
+"All right, Sir," was the reply, and the Skipper went on deck again.
+
+The breeze was quite fresh still, and the children had climbed up into
+the "lookout," and were pointing eagerly into the distance.
+
+"Land! over there!" shouted Dick, when he saw the Skipper.
+
+"Oh! Ah! It's an island," said the Skipper. "I've been there before. The
+Archæopteryx lives there."
+
+"The what?" cried the children.
+
+[Illustration: "'Charmed to meet you,' said the Archæopteryx."]
+
+"The Archæopteryx," repeated the Skipper. "It's an awful name, isn't
+it?"
+
+"What is he?" demanded Dick.
+
+"A kind of lizardish bird, or a birdish lizard, whichever you like," was
+the reply. "He's a great swell, I can tell you, and fancies himself
+immensely."
+
+The children were all eagerness to see this strange creature, and could
+scarcely wait until the ship reached the land.
+
+The Skipper went down and told the Dodo, who, directly he heard that
+they would meet the Archæopteryx, made a great effort to pull himself
+together again.
+
+"I mustn't let him see me in this state," he declared. "He is a distant
+relative of mine, and a person of great consequence. Do you think," he
+continued, addressing the Skipper, "that you could clean up my gloves a
+little with some bread crumbs, they have become slightly soiled; and
+would you kindly rearrange my necktie?"
+
+These necessary preparations completed, the Dodo staggered up on deck
+just as the _Argosy_ reached the shore.
+
+The Archæopteryx was waiting for them on the beach, and recognized the
+Dodo immediately.
+
+"Charmed to meet you again," he said, hurrying forward to meet him, and
+raising his hat, with a polite bow. "Pray, introduce me to your
+friends."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM'S BALLOON.
+
+
+"Delighted to make your acquaintance," said the Archæopteryx, when the
+necessary introductions had been made. "I've often wanted to meet some
+human beings; come and have luncheon with me. I've a couple of old
+friends staying here who will be delighted to see you." So saying, he
+led the way to where two most extraordinary-looking creatures sat
+waiting at a table, which was set for seven people.
+
+"Both antediluvians," whispered their host, "the Palæotherium and the
+Eterædarium. Capital chaps, but crotchety."
+
+Fidge was a little alarmed at first, for they were really very ugly.
+They seemed quite amiable, however; and the Palæotherium--his mouth full
+of banana--motioned them to seats at the table, and, turning to the
+Dodo, said, "Haven't I seen you before?"
+
+The Dodo smirked, and, smoothing his gloves, said, in a self-conscious
+voice, "Very possibly we _may_ have met before. I don't remember you,
+but mine is a face which one is not likely to forget. Where did we meet,
+do you think?"
+
+"I'm trying to remember," said the Palæotherium, "it must have been
+several hundreds of years ago now, and my memory is getting so bad----"
+
+"I once stayed with the Ichthyosaurus," said the Dodo. "It may have been
+there."
+
+"Ah, that must have been it," said the Palæotherium. "I met a curious
+lot of people there--very mixed lot of associates _he_ had, to be sure."
+
+"Ahem," said the Dodo, indignantly. "I hope you don't mean that I----"
+
+"My dear Sir," replied the other, "I'm quite sure you are highly
+respectable; your gloves alone are a guarantee for that."
+
+"Thanks," said the Dodo, looking quite happy again.
+
+"Do you know any riddles?" asked the Eterædarium, suddenly, addressing
+Dick.
+
+"Let's see," said he, glad that the conversation had taken a turn which
+they could all understand. "I think I do know a few. Why is a robin like
+a waterbut?"
+
+"First of all," said the Archæopteryx, anxiously, "what is a robin, and
+who is a waterbut?"
+
+"Oh, a robin," explained Marjorie, "is a dear little bird with a red
+breast that comes in the winter----"
+
+"Stop! stop!" said the Palæotherium, "one thing at a time. What is a
+bird?"
+
+"Oh, I say! You _must_ know what a bird is," expostulated Dick.
+
+"I don't," said the Palæotherium, stubbornly.
+
+"Why--why--the Dodo is a bird," explained Dick.
+
+"Yes, but nothing like a robin, Dick, dear," added Marjorie; "a robin is
+such a sweet, pretty little thing----"
+
+"Well, I never!" exclaimed the Dodo, "do you mean to say _I'm_ not a
+pretty little thing?"
+
+"Well, you're not _quite_ like a robin, are you?" said Marjorie, getting
+out of the difficulty very cleverly.
+
+"Not _quite_, perhaps," admitted the Dodo; "but I _am_ pretty," he added
+decidedly.
+
+"I don't see what all this has to do with my conundrum," said Dick.
+
+"Well, let's try again," said the Archæopteryx. "Why is a robin like a
+waterbut?"
+
+"A robin is a bird that comes in the winter," repeated the Eterædarium,
+"and the waterbut--is that also a bird?"
+
+"Oh, no," laughed Marjorie; "a waterbut is a tub for holding water."
+
+"Can it fly?" asked the Eterædarium.
+
+"Of course not!" said Dick; "who ever heard of such a thing?"
+
+"Well, _is_ it like a robin? That's the point," said the Palæotherium.
+
+"Not in appearance," admitted Dick. "Will you give it up?" he added,
+looking around the table.
+
+"Give what up?" asked the creatures.
+
+"The conundrum," replied Dick.
+
+"I haven't got it," declared the Dodo.
+
+"Nor have I." "Nor I." "Nor I," said the others.
+
+"No, no! I mean, will you give the answer up?" said Dick, losing
+patience.
+
+"But we haven't it," said the Archæopteryx.
+
+"Look here, I'll tell you what we'll do," said the Palæotherium,
+generously: "I'll give up the robin, and my friend here will give up the
+waterbut. There!"
+
+"Now _that's_ settled," said the Dodo, conclusively, "_I'll_ ask you a
+conundrum. 'If your wife's aunt is----'"
+
+"Stop! stop!" said the Palæotherium, "I haven't got a wife, you know."
+
+"No," said the Eterædarium, "he hasn't, and, if he had, she very likely
+would not have an aunt. Make it my wife's aunt."
+
+"All right," said the Dodo. "If _your_ wife's aunt is my brother's son,
+what relation is Dick to Tom?"
+
+"You haven't asked it right," said Dick, who knew a riddle something
+like that. "It's 'if this man's father is that man's son, what relation
+is Dick to Tom?'"
+
+"I wish you wouldn't interfere," said the Dodo. "I tell you the
+question is right as I asked it."
+
+"But your wife's aunt couldn't be anybody's son," said Marjorie, who was
+trying to puzzle it out.
+
+"Who said she _was_?" snapped the Dodo, crossly; "she is as likely to be
+anybody's son as a robin is to be like a waterbut, and besides, I didn't
+say she was; I said, if she was, you know."
+
+"Well, let's work it out," said the Eterædarium, spreading out his
+fingers. "Let's see, that's my wife's aunt," he continued, pointing to
+his thumb, "and that's my brother's son," he added, touching the next
+finger, "and the other two will do for Dick and Tom. Now--er----"
+
+"Who is the other finger?" interrupted the Dodo, anxiously.
+
+"Me," said the Palæotherium, solemnly and ungrammatically.
+
+"It isn't," declared the other.
+
+"It is," repeated the Palæotherium.
+
+"Oh, very well! let it be so," cried the Archæopteryx, impatiently.
+"What's the answer, anyhow?"
+
+[Illustration: "'Who is the other finger?' interrupted the Dodo,
+anxiously."]
+
+"I don't know," said the Eterædarium, staring at his fingers stupidly.
+"I don't see what relation those two fingers are to the other two. Well,
+what relation _is_ Dick to Tom?" he asked, turning to the Dodo.
+
+"The same relation that the robin is to the waterbut," said that bird,
+conclusively. "Come on, let's get the Skipper to teach us how to dance a
+hornpipe," and he led the way from the table, quite disregarding the
+fact that the others had not finished.
+
+The Skipper, who had been quite as puzzled as the others were by these
+extraordinary conundrums, willingly agreed, and, first of all, danced a
+hornpipe himself very successfully, and then did his best to teach the
+others.
+
+The Dodo, with his short legs and big body, very soon gave up trying,
+and, thoroughly worn out by the exertion, lay panting on the shingle,
+while the Eterædarium took his turn. He got along capitally, and the
+children laughed heartily at the queer capers which he cut.
+
+They were in the midst of the fun, when the Dodo suddenly jumped up,
+and, pointing excitedly up into the air, cried, "Look! Look! What's
+that?"
+
+They all looked in the direction which he indicated, and after a time
+discerned a tiny speck in the sky, which the Skipper declared, after
+watching some time, to be a balloon.
+
+"It's all red," cried Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Dodo, trembling. "Red! Are you sure?" he
+inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Certain," said Marjorie.
+
+"Yes," said Dick, "I can see it now; it's quite red--a bright scarlet,
+in fact."
+
+[Illustration: "The Eterædarium took his turn."]
+
+"The Little Panjandrum's State Balloon!" gasped the Dodo, in a terrible
+fright. "Oh, my dear friends, hide me somewhere! If he finds me I'm done
+for! I've--got--his gloves on--oh! How could I have been so foolish as
+to have taken them--it's all my pride--and now I shall have to suffer
+for it--oh!--oh!" And the Dodo, quite overcome with fear and anxiety,
+fell upon his knees and sobbed violently.
+
+Meanwhile the state balloon belonging to His Importance the Little
+Panjandrum rapidly drew near.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DUFF AND DEM EXECUTIONER.
+
+
+"Can you see who's in it?" asked the Dodo, anxiously, when the balloon
+had drawn a little nearer.
+
+"Two gentlemen," declared Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen. "And
+one is carrying such a funny stick, with a big hand at the top of it."
+
+"And the other one has just put on a hideous black mask, and has a
+curious kind of pole with a sort of scythe at the end," chimed in Dick.
+
+"What!" screamed the Dodo, "a black mask! Then it's the Lord High
+Executioner, and the other is the Court Glover. Oh dear! oh dear! what
+will become of me? I wish I'd never seen the wretched old gloves."
+
+The balloon by this time was almost directly overhead and was descending
+rapidly. Presently two ropes were thrown out, and a muffled voice cried,
+"Catch hold of these, please."
+
+Dick politely ran forward and hung on to one rope, while Marjorie and
+Fidge took the other.
+
+[Illustration: "The Court Glover arrives."]
+
+The occupants of the balloon then lowered some wooden steps, and gravely
+descended, the Lord High Executioner leading the way.
+
+The balloon, lightened of its occupants, bounded upwards again, and the
+children (who had the greatest difficulty in hanging on to the ropes)
+called to the Archæopteryx and the others to come to their aid. To their
+great surprise, however, they discovered that these creatures, taking
+the Dodo with them, quietly slipped away.
+
+The Court Glover and the Executioner helped the children to fasten the
+balloon to one of the large palm trees, and then the Court Glover,
+folding his arms, turned to them abruptly and inquired, "Where is he?"
+
+"Who do you mean, Sir?" asked Dick.
+
+"The Dodo," was the response.
+
+"Oh! the Dodo! Why, he was here just now. I expect he has gone off with
+the Archæopteryx and the others," said Dick.
+
+"The what!" exclaimed the Court Glover.
+
+"The er--Archæopteryx," said Dick, hesitatingly, fearing that he might
+have mispronounced the name.
+
+"H'm! You see," said the Court Glover, addressing the Executioner, "to
+what depths this misguided bird has fallen, to actually associate with
+an animal bearing a name of _that_ description. I suppose it _is_ an
+animal, by-the-bye," he added, turning to the children.
+
+"Well," laughed Marjorie, "we are not quite sure. The Dodo says it's a
+kind of lizard-like bird, or bird-like lizard."
+
+"It's got feathers," chimed in Fidge.
+
+"Ough! The miserable creature doesn't even know what it is _itself_, I
+expect," said the Court Glover, in tones of disgust.
+
+"The others," said Dick reflectively, "are evidently animals--the
+Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, you know."
+
+"Look here," interrupted the Court Glover, severely, "you really must
+_not_ use such disgraceful language. I am not accustomed to it."
+
+"Why, they are only names," explained Dick, smilingly.
+
+"Very well, then. Call the creatures _thingummybobs_; I shall know what
+you mean--only don't use those other awful words again, they're
+outrageous. Now then, to come to the point--where is that Dodo?"
+
+"I'll try and find him," said Dick, obligingly, running off in the
+direction of some bushes, behind which he imagined that he might
+possibly find the runaways.
+
+"Is your--er--chopper ready?" said the Court Glover, turning to the
+executioner.
+
+"He--he--he--ye--es!" giggled that worthy.
+
+"Oh! If you please," pleaded Marjorie, "I do hope you are not going to
+execute the poor Dodo. I'm sure he's _very_ sorry that he took the
+Little Panjandrum's gloves, and he will give them back, I know. Please,
+_please_, forgive him."
+
+"He--he--he!" giggled the Executioner again.
+
+"Do be quiet," shouted the Court Glover.
+
+"Yes, I don't see anything to laugh at," said Marjorie indignantly.
+
+"Oh, he's _always_ laughing," declared the Court Glover; "that's why he
+has to wear a mask--so that people shan't see him laughing while he is
+chopping off their heads. It's so rude, you know, to giggle at a time
+like that, isn't it?"
+
+"I should think so, indeed," cried Marjorie, in a horrified voice;
+"perfectly disgraceful, I call it."
+
+"That's what the last man who was executed said," declared the Court
+Glover. After it was all over he said, "Well, I was never so
+disgracefully executed before in all my life; and I hope the next time
+you chop off my head, you'll get some one else to do it.'"
+
+"I don't understand," said Marjorie, who was dreadfully puzzled. "How
+_could_ he say all that after he was executed?"
+
+"Why not?" asked the Court Glover, composedly.
+
+"Why, people can't talk when they are killed, you know," said Marjorie.
+
+"He--he--he!" sniggered the Executioner, putting his hand up to his
+mouth under his mask.
+
+The Court Glover frowned at him. "Bless you, they aren't _killed_!" he
+said.
+
+"Not killed, when they are executed!" cried Marjorie.
+
+The Executioner giggled louder than ever, and shook his head.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Don't ask me, I'm duff and dem," said the Executioner.
+
+"He means dem and duff," explained the Court Glover, considerately.
+
+Marjorie laughed, and so did Fidge. "You are both wrong," she said. "You
+mean deaf and dumb, I suppose. But I don't think that _can_ be the case,
+for he must have heard me, because he answered my question, you know."
+
+"I didn't say anything about being deaf or dumb, either. I simply said I
+was duff and dem, and I defy you to prove to the contrary," said the
+Executioner, stubbornly.
+
+Marjorie was quite bewildered; but there was no time for further
+argument, for, just then, Dick and the Archæopteryx returned, supporting
+the Dodo (who appeared half dead with fright), and followed by the
+Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, walking arm in arm.
+
+"Ah! now we will settle this little matter," said the Court Glover,
+placing himself in an imposing attitude, and motioning the Executioner
+to stand a little way behind him.
+
+The Dodo prostrated himself before them, the tears streaming from his
+eyes, and the offending gloves thrown on the ground in front of him.
+
+"Miserable fowl!" began the Court Glover.
+
+The Dodo winced.
+
+"To what degraded depths have you sunken! I find you here hob-a-nobbing
+with _thingummybobs_ and _what's-his-names_."
+
+"Here, I say, hold on!" interrupted the Archæopteryx. "If you mean us,
+you know, we are----"
+
+"_Thingummybobs_ and _what's-his-names_," repeated the Court Glover,
+waving his hand contemptuously. "Was it to create an impression amongst
+such creatures as _these_ that you ran off with the very best pair of
+white kid gloves in the whole collection belonging to His Importance the
+Little Panjandrum? Oh, Dodo! Dodo! Dodo! it is _too_ much!"
+
+"How much too much?" inquired the Palæotherium, kindly taking out his
+purse.
+
+The Court Glover waved him aside with an impatient scowl.
+
+"The vanity of the bird!" he went on--"white kid, above all others!
+Why, you might have taken a dozen pairs of colored cotton gloves, and no
+one would have minded in the least; but best white kid--oh! shocking!
+shocking! And look at the state you've made them in! But there--what can
+be expected of a creature that goes wandering about the world visiting
+what-you-may-call-ems."
+
+[Illustration: "'Bear up, old man,' said the Archæopteryx."]
+
+"Of course, there's nothing to be done," continued the Court Glover,
+after an impressive pause, "but to execute you."
+
+The Dodo sobbed; and Marjorie, who was greatly concerned, began: "Oh,
+please----"
+
+But the Court Glover was inexorable, and murmured solemnly, "In one
+hour's time--here," he walked off towards the balloon, followed by the
+Executioner, who was giggling idiotically, and had to stuff a
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from laughing outright.
+
+"Inhuman wretch--there!" said Marjorie, bursting into tears, while the
+Dodo's friends assisted him up from the ground, where he was lying in a
+half-fainting condition.
+
+"Bear up, old man," said the Archæopteryx, sympathetically, fanning him
+with his tail.
+
+"When did he say?" inquired the Dodo, faintly.
+
+"In an hour's time," said Dick, sadly.
+
+The Dodo shuddered.
+
+"Stop!" said the Eterædarium, suddenly. "I think I have found a way out
+of the difficulty."
+
+"Oh! what is it? What is it?" cried the Dodo, eagerly; while the others
+all crowded round to hear what the Eterædarium had to say.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE EXECUTION OF THE DODO.
+
+
+"Let us pretend," suggested the Palæotherium, "that the Dodo is dead.
+They will readily imagine that the shock has been too much for him, and,
+of course, being dead, there will be no necessity to execute him."
+
+"He--he--he! Very nice indeed. A capital arrangement!" giggled a voice
+over the children's shoulder; and, turning round, they beheld the
+Executioner, who had apparently overheard everything that had been said.
+
+"Bother!" remarked the Palæotherium; "now I shall have to invent some
+other way."
+
+"I can't think," said the Executioner, who had removed his mask, and who
+the children discovered to be a very amiable-looking gentleman--"I can't
+think why you are making all this fuss about the execution."
+
+"Well, how would you like it yourself?" asked the Dodo, indignantly.
+
+"I shouldn't mind in the least," remarked the Executioner, coolly.
+
+"Not mind being killed!" shuddered the children.
+
+[Illustration: "I never kill anybody when I chop their heads off."]
+
+"Oh, _that's_ another question entirely," said the Executioner. "I never
+kill anybody when I chop their heads off. It would be so cruel;
+besides, that old-fashioned way is so ordinary. I am the Executioner
+Extraordinary, you know."
+
+"Well, how on earth do you execute people, then, if you don't kill
+them?" demanded Dick.
+
+"Oh, by a new method, which I have invented myself," declared the
+Executioner. "I call it execution by proxy. I just make an effigy."
+
+"What's that?" inquired Marjorie.
+
+"Don't interrupt," said Dick. "Guy Fawkes is an effigy, you know--an old
+stuffed thing, with a mask on. Go on, please."
+
+"Well, then," continued the Executioner, "having made an effigy, as near
+like my subject as possible, I just chop its head off, and there is an
+end of the matter."
+
+He looked around at the company, and smiled triumphantly.
+
+Marjorie gave a sigh of relief. She didn't so much mind the execution
+taking place if the poor Dodo was not to be killed. To her great
+surprise, however, on looking at that interesting bird, she discovered
+that he was weeping copiously, and wiping with an elaborate lace
+handkerchief, which had evidently been concealed about his person, the
+tears which trickled slowly down his great beak.
+
+"What's the matter, poor goosey, goosey, gander?" said Fidge,
+sympathetically.
+
+"Don't!" snapped the Dodo, crossly. "I'm _not_ a goose."
+
+"Well, what _is_ the matter, anyhow?" said Dick. "They are not going to
+chop your head off it appears; so you ought to be glad, and not snivel
+like that."
+
+"I d--don't want to--to be--e m--made a guy of," sobbed the Dodo.
+
+"What _do_ you mean?" asked the Executioner.
+
+"Why, you said you would have to make an effigy of me; and he" (pointing
+to Dick) "said it was a kind of Guy Fawkes, didn't you?" he added
+appealing to Dick.
+
+"Well, never mind," said the Archæopteryx, sympathetically; "you have
+the consolation that they couldn't make you a bigger guy than you are."
+
+Strangely enough, the Dodo seemed to derive a considerable amount of
+comfort from this idea, and, wiping away the few remaining tears, he
+began to take an active interest in the manufacture of the effigy, which
+the others set about constructing without further delay.
+
+"Is it like me?" he asked, conceitedly, as they bound some cloths to a
+piece of stick, in such a way that they bore some slight resemblance to
+a bird.
+
+"Dear me, what a pity! I'm not moulting, or you might have had one or
+two of my feathers to stick on for a tail," he added.
+
+"H'm! I shouldn't have thought you had any to spare for moulting
+purposes," said the Archæopteryx.
+
+"Don't be unkind," retorted the Dodo; "_you_ haven't many to boast of."
+
+"I've more than you have, anyhow," said the Archæopteryx.
+
+"Oh, for goodness' sake leave off quarreling. What on earth does it
+matter how many feathers you have?" said Dick.
+
+"Not to a _boy_, I suppose," remarked the Dodo, somewhat insolently;
+"but no respectable bird would care to be seen about with less than
+five; though, undoubtedly, too many are vulgar"--this with a scornful
+glance at the Archæopteryx's tail, which was decorated with quite a
+number of curious flat feathers.
+
+I don't know how much longer this wrangling would have gone on, had not
+the Court Glover just then made his appearance.
+
+"Time's up!" he announced, sternly. "Are you prepared for execution,
+Dodo?"
+
+"Not quite," answered the Executioner, who was putting the finishing
+touches to the effigy; "his head keeps tumbling off."
+
+"Never mind, it will save cutting it off," said the Court Glover, who
+was evidently quite used to the Executioner's patent method of
+performing his dreadful duty.
+
+"Now then," he continued importantly. "Stand round in a ring while I
+read the Warrant. 'Ahem! Nevertheless, likewise, notwithstanding,
+heretofore, as is aforesaid. It having been proven that a certain bird
+named the Dodo having maliciously and contemptibly worn the white kid
+gloves of the Little Panjandrum, it is hereby enacted that the said
+Dodo, or his heirs male, or assigns, be chopped at the neck till one or
+all of their respective heads do fall off--and this to be done to their
+entire satisfaction. LONG LIVE THE PANJANDRUM!'"
+
+[Illustration: "'Alas! Alas!' murmured the Court Glover."]
+
+"What a rigmarole!" whispered Dick, while the Executioner stretched out
+the Dodo's effigy on the ground, and, resuming his hideous black mask,
+made ready to strike.
+
+"Alas! Alas!" murmured the Court Glover, covering his face with his
+hands, and peeping through his fingers, while the Dodo held his sides
+with suppressed laughter.
+
+The children all looked on with interest as the Executioner performed
+his terrible duty. Raising his curious scythe-like chopper, with one
+mighty blow he severed the piece of wood which answered for the Dodo's
+neck, and then stood gloomily aside.
+
+"_Fiat Justitia_!" said the Court Glover, solemnly; and then, turning to
+the Dodo, he inquired anxiously, "Well, how did you like it?"
+
+"Oh! it was delightful!" replied the bird, enthusiastically. "I am sure
+no one could wish to have a pleasanter or more delightful execution. I'm
+much obliged to you for having it so nicely performed."
+
+"Well, we always like to manage these little things as pleasantly as
+possible, you know," said the Court Glover, deprecatingly.
+
+"Oh! I quite enjoyed it!" said the Dodo. "That's a _very_ nice
+Executioner you have."
+
+"Yes; isn't he?" agreed the Court Glover. "Pity he laughs so much,
+though, it spoils the effect. Well, having done my duty, I must be off.
+Any message for the Little Panjandrum?"
+
+"Oh! can't we go back with you in the balloon?" asked Marjorie, eagerly,
+for it seemed to her a capital opportunity of getting away from this
+strange place.
+
+"H'm! I'm afraid not," said the Court Glover, reflectively. "You see, it
+only holds two comfortably."
+
+"Where do you want to go to?" asked the Archæopteryx.
+
+"England!" said the children, all together.
+
+"Oh! _that's_ all right. I'll tell you the way to get _there_," said the
+Palæotherium.
+
+And the Court Glover and the Executioner began to undo the cords which
+held the balloon to the palm tree.
+
+"You might leave me your card," said the Dodo to the Executioner,
+pressing a small coin into his hand. "I shall probably go in for a
+complete course of execution when I get back again; and, besides, the
+address of a good, reliable Executioner is a handy thing to have in the
+house."
+
+The Executioner giggled, and handed the bird his card, and then both he
+and the Court Glover got into the car, and the balloon was soon
+vanishing in the distance.
+
+After watching them nearly out of sight the Dodo capered wildly about
+till the children began to fear that he had suddenly gone off his head.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" inquired Dick. "Why are you carrying on in
+that absurd way?"
+
+The Dodo fumbled beneath one wing, and drew forth a little paper
+package.
+
+"Ha! ha! ha! _They went away without the gloves after all_!" he
+shrieked, and began to roll about on the ground in an uncontrollable fit
+of laughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE PREHISTORIC DOCTOR.
+
+
+"I can't imagine," said Dick, "why you think such a lot of those
+wretched old gloves. They seem to have got you into quite enough trouble
+already."
+
+"They look so respectable," explained the Dodo, "and give one such an
+air. You have _never_ before seen a bird wearing gloves, now, have you?"
+he added, appealing to the company generally, who were obliged to
+flatter his vanity by confessing that they never had.
+
+Dick, however, in a spirit of pure mischief, decided to play him a
+trick. So, when the Dodo, having put on one glove, strutted away to show
+off before the Archæopteryx, leaving the other one behind him, Dick
+quickly picked it up and put it on himself, then calling to aid the
+power which the Panjandrum's Ambassador had given him of being able to
+make himself whatever size he wished, he cried, "I wish to be as big as
+the biggest giant that ever lived," and immediately became so tall that
+the Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, who were standing near, fled in
+dismay, while Marjorie and Fidge looked up with the greatest of
+admiration to their now big--big brother.
+
+Dick then telling them, in a voice that sounded like thunder, to stand
+aside, took off the glove, which had, of course, grown with him, and
+threw it on to the ground, where it lay a huge mass of coarse leather as
+many _feet_ long as it had formerly been _inches_, and with buttons
+almost as big as dinner plates.
+
+It was, of course, the easiest matter imaginable for Dick to reduce
+himself to his proper size again, while the glove remained as it was,
+and this he very quickly did, to the evident relief of the poor
+Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, who had been trembling and quaking
+behind a clump of trees, and looking with the greatest disquietude at
+these extraordinary proceedings.
+
+"This is fine growing weather, Sir," remarked the Palæotherium,
+respectfully, as he came forward and stood by Dick beside the enormous
+glove.
+
+[Illustration: "'Is that it?' asked Dick."]
+
+Dick laughed, and rather delighted in the evident impression which he
+had made upon the creatures by his performance, and a moment after the
+Dodo returned, looking about him eagerly in search of his lost
+property.
+
+"What's the matter?" inquired Dick, solicitously.
+
+"Er--have any of you seen a white kid glove lying about?" said the Dodo,
+anxiously.
+
+"Is that it?" asked Dick, pointing to the enormous object lying at his
+feet.
+
+The Dodo gave a start.
+
+"Er--er--oh--my!" he exclaimed. "I do believe--why, surely it
+isn't--yes--yes--bless me, if I don't believe that it really _is_ my
+glove. Why, whatever has happened to it?"
+
+"It certainly looks rather large for you," remarked the Palæotherium.
+
+"Large! why it's prodigious!" exclaimed the Dodo.
+
+"What size do you wear?" asked Marjorie, who was enjoying the fun.
+
+The Dodo undid the glove which he had on and looked inside.
+
+"Sevens," he remarked.
+
+"And this," said Dick, kicking the enormous glove open, "is marked
+ninety-nines!"
+
+"I don't believe I _could_ wear that size," said the bird,
+disconsolately. "Whatever is to be done?"
+
+"I should get inside it altogether, if I were you," suggested Dick.
+
+"Don't be ridiculous," said the Dodo, beginning to cry. "It's bad enough
+to--to--have one's gloves car--carrying on in this fas-fashion, without
+being laughed at by--by a parcel of cre--creatures that don't care
+anything about their per--per--personal appearance, and who--who
+nev--never wore a p--p--pair of gloves in their lives!"
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, "I'm sure _we_ wear gloves when we are at home,
+don't we, Dick?"
+
+"Of course," said he.
+
+"And me, too," declared Fidge; "me wears goves."
+
+"I don't believe it," sobbed the Dodo; "and if I did, I wouldn't, so
+there!"
+
+"I think you are an awful cry-baby," said Dick; "I should be ashamed, if
+I were you, to be always sniveling about nothing."
+
+The Dodo didn't answer, but sat down beside the enormous glove, and
+continued to sob and cry till his eyes, which were never very beautiful,
+became swollen and red, and his little lace handkerchief was wringing
+wet with his tears.
+
+Marjorie, in her kind-hearted way, tried to comfort him, and privately
+suggested to Dick that, as the poor bird seemed so very much cut up
+about his glove, that he should restore it to its natural size again.
+
+This, however, Dick positively refused to do for the present, and the
+Dodo becoming worse instead of better, the Archæopteryx said he should
+go and fetch a doctor.
+
+"Oh, do!" cried the Dodo, sitting up, and becoming interested at once.
+"I _love_ doctors, they give you such nice stuff to take."
+
+"Ough!" shuddered Marjorie.
+
+"I'm sure they do, then," said the Dodo; "lovely little pills with sugar
+on them, and powders in jam--oh, lovely! Don't you think powders in jam
+delicious?" he asked, appealing to Dick.
+
+"No; I certainly don't," was the reply, as the Archæopteryx, followed by
+a funny-looking little old man, came running back.
+
+The Prehistoric Doctor--for so the children found he was called--was
+dressed in a coarse coat made of bear's skin, under which was a spotless
+shirt-front and collar; an old-fashioned pair of horn-rimmed spectacles
+completed his costume, while some dangerous-looking surgical instruments
+projected from a rough pocket tacked on to the side of his coat.
+
+[Illustration: "'Tut, tut, this is serious,' said the Doctor."]
+
+"Ah!--h'm! and _how_ are we feeling this morning?" he said, kindly,
+going up to the Dodo.
+
+The bird turned up his eyes pathetically and gave a sigh.
+
+"Like a dying duck in a thunderstorm," whispered Dick, and Marjorie had
+to hold her handkerchief to her mouth to keep from giggling out loud.
+
+"Ah! How is the pulse?" continued the Doctor, in a soothing voice.
+
+The Dodo gravely extended the pinion with the glove on it.
+
+This seemed to puzzle the Doctor a little at first, but after looking at
+it for a moment through his spectacles, he fished an enormous silver
+watch out of another pocket in his skin coat, and carefully pinching the
+glove between his finger and thumb, regarding his timepiece anxiously.
+
+This operation over, he shook his head gravely, and demanded to see the
+Dodo's tongue.
+
+"Oh! I couldn't!" simpered the bird; "I really couldn't; it's so rude to
+put out one's tongue, you know."
+
+A little persuasion, however, on the part of the Doctor prevailed upon
+him to open his enormous beak, and the examination was proceeded with.
+
+[Illustration: "They hurried to the station."]
+
+"Tut! tut! this is serious!" exclaimed the Doctor, regarding the Dodo's
+tongue critically. "We must have a change of air immediately, and
+thorough rest. I will go and make you up a little prescription, and I
+would advise you to start at once. The air at--er--the Crystal Palace
+would suit you admirably. There is an excursion starting to-day. I
+should certainly go by that if I were you."
+
+"The Crystal Palace! Why, that's near London!" cried Marjorie,
+excitedly. "Can't we go by the excursion, too?"
+
+"Of course you can," chimed in the Palæotherium; "we'll all go, and make
+up a nice little family party."
+
+So, without further ado--the Doctor having made up his prescription,
+consisting of a large bottle of "bull's eyes," one to be taken every
+quarter of an hour--they hurried to the station, at the door of which a
+most energetic porter was ringing a huge bell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+WAITING FOR THE TRAIN.
+
+
+They found, on reaching the station, which was a very primitive affair
+with a thatched roof, that the booking-office was closed.
+
+"Clerk be goned away for 'ees 'oliday," explained the Porter, with a
+grin.
+
+"Then whatever are we going to do about tickets?" asked Marjorie,
+anxiously, for the trip to the Crystal Palace seemed to afford such an
+excellent opportunity of getting home again that she was anxious not to
+miss it.
+
+"He may be back before the train comes in," said the Archæopteryx;
+"there doesn't seem to be one in sight, and we often have to wait weeks
+and weeks for a train here, you know."
+
+"But what was he ringing the bell for, then?" inquired Dick, "if the
+train isn't coming in."
+
+"I seed some smoke awhile ago, over yonder," said the Porter, "and I
+thought maybe 'tmight be th' train, but like as not it isn't."
+
+"Then we have had this long run for nothing," complained the Dodo,
+breathlessly.
+
+"Calm yourself, my dear Sir," said the Doctor, patting him on the back;
+"excitement of any kind is very bad for you. We will wait here quietly
+till the train does come."
+
+"But isn't there a time-table?" asked Dick, "so that we can tell when to
+expect it."
+
+"No, Sir," said the Porter. "There was a time-table when I fust come
+here, nine years ago; but it got lost somehow, and we've never had
+another."
+
+By this time the platform was crowded with a number of other animals,
+who had apparently come to join the excursion.
+
+"We had better get our tents before they are all gone," whispered the
+Palæotherium.
+
+"Ah, yes, of course," said the Eterædarium. "Er--Porter, just bring us
+some tents, will you?"
+
+"Tents?" exclaimed the children.
+
+"Yes; if we are to stay here till the train starts we shall find it very
+awkward at night without tents, you know."
+
+"Oh, yes, tents by all means," said the Archæopteryx. "I think five will
+be sufficient," he added.
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving
+directions."]
+
+The Porter grumbled a little, and then brought forth from somewhere a
+number of poles and some canvas tents, and these the creatures began
+solemnly to erect on various parts of the platform.
+
+The Dodo excused himself from assisting, on the plea that he might soil
+his gloves, and contented himself with fussing about and giving
+directions in a loud voice.
+
+While the tents were being erected, the children amused themselves by
+exploring their surroundings.
+
+"Oh! there's a refreshment room!" exclaimed Marjorie, pointing to a hole
+in the wall, on the ledge of which were displayed a few doubtful-looking
+articles.
+
+"Shall I join you in a little light repast?" said an insinuating voice
+behind them, and turning around, they beheld the Dodo smoothing his
+glove and smirking ingratiatingly.
+
+Dick felt in his pocket, and was delighted to find that he had a
+two-shilling-piece tucked away in a corner.
+
+"Yes, we might as well have something," he said, generously. "I wonder
+who attends to this department? There doesn't seem to be anybody about."
+
+He knocked at the wall with his two-shilling-piece, and, suddenly, an
+elderly lady, with a very sharp face and a shrill voice, popped her head
+up and exclaimed, "Well! what do _you_ want?"
+
+Dick was startled by her sudden appearance, and stammered a little.
+
+"Er--er--a----" he began.
+
+"A glass bun and a bath of milk, please," prompted the Dodo.
+
+"No; he means a bath bun and a glass of milk," laughed Marjorie, smiling
+up at the lady's face.
+
+There was no smile in response, however, and she replied, crossly, "Why
+doesn't he say what he means, then? We've no bath buns, and no milk,"
+she went on. "There's a currant bun, a box of chocolates, and a bottle
+of gingerbeer. You can take them or leave them, whichever you like."
+
+"Er--how much is the bun, please?" inquired Dick.
+
+"Shilling," snapped the waitress.
+
+"Dear me! that's rather expensive, isn't it?" said Dick, regarding his
+two-shilling-piece ruefully. "And I'm afraid it looks a little stale,
+too."
+
+"Well, I never!" said the waitress, tossing her head scornfully, and
+shaking back her little corkscrew curls. "What next, I wonder? That bun
+has been here on and off for seventeen years, and I never had a
+complaint about it before. Stale, indeed!" And she sniffed scornfully.
+
+"Perhaps we had better try the chocolate," suggested Marjorie. "Can you
+tell us, please, how many pieces there are in the box?" she asked.
+
+"No, I can't!" was the ungracious reply. "It's half-a-crown," she added.
+
+That, of course, put it out of the question, and as the gingerbeer
+bottle turned out to be empty, the contents having evaporated some years
+since, the children were obliged to turn, somewhat disconsolately, away
+from the "refreshment room," and as they left they heard the waitress
+complaining, crossly--
+
+"I can't think what people want to come bothering for refreshments for,
+when I am busy reading; some folks have _no_ consideration for others."
+And she disappeared as mysteriously as she had arrived.
+
+A little further down the platform, to their great delight, they
+discovered an automatic machine, but were greatly disappointed to find
+that it only professed to supply "furniture polish," "tin tacks," and
+"postage stamps."
+
+"And as we have no post-office here at all," said the Archæopteryx, who
+had by this time joined them, "the stamps are of no use whatever.
+Fortunately," he went on, "the Palæotherium brought some banana
+sandwiches in his carpet bag; so, if you come back with me to his tent,
+we can have a little supper before we go to bed."
+
+The children very gratefully accepted the invitation, and were delighted
+on entering the tent to find that the Eterædarium and the Palæotherium
+had arranged quite a dainty little repast with the sandwiches, some
+fresh fruit, and cocoanut milk, which was served in the shell.
+
+While the feast was progressing it began to grow quite dark, and the
+Dodo suggested asking the Porter for a light.
+
+"There's only one candle," grumbled that individual, "and I be obligated
+to use that for the signal."
+
+So there was nothing to be done but to hurry over the supper as soon as
+possible, and go to rest.
+
+Marjorie and Fidge shared a little tent next to the Dodo and Dick, and
+the children made themselves as comfortable as they could, under the
+circumstances, with some cushions and rugs, with which the Porter had
+provided them; and, after chatting for a little while about their
+strange adventures, dropped off to sleep.
+
+They were awakened after an hour or two by the clanging of a huge bell,
+and, hastily putting their heads out of the tent, beheld the Porter
+rushing up and down the platform, ringing his bell violently. The candle
+was flaring away at the top of the signal pole, and the children jumped
+to the conclusion that the train had been signaled.
+
+"What's up!" called out Dick, as the Porter approached.
+
+There was no answer, and the great bell was plied more vigorously than
+ever.
+
+"Oh! _do_ leave off!" screamed the Dodo. "What's the bell for?"
+
+"To keep you awake," shouted the Porter. "I shall keep on ringing this
+bell all night to prevent you from going to sleep, in case the train
+comes in and you don't hear it."
+
+"But the noise will drive us mad," expostulated the Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "'Oh! Do leave off!' screamed the Dodo."]
+
+"H'm! won't have far to drive you, then," said the Porter, rudely.
+"Howsomedever, I'm going to do my duty, whatever happens, and this 'ere
+bell I'm going to ring if I drops."
+
+Remonstrance was vain, and as it was hopeless to try and sleep through
+all the noise the children got up again, and had hardly done so, when,
+looking towards the end of the platform they beheld a red and a green
+light appearing around the curve, and a moment later the train dashed
+into the station.
+
+"Crystal Palace train! Crystal Palace train! Take your seats, there!"
+shouted the Guard; and, regardless of the fact that they had no tickets,
+the children and their friends scrambled in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A NIGHT IN THE TRAIN.
+
+
+"What a funny puff-puff!" exclaimed Fidge, when, all of the creatures on
+the platform having entered the train, it slowly steamed out of the
+station, while the Porter took down the candlestick signal and carefully
+extinguished the light, remarking aloud, as he did so, "Well, thank
+goodness, _they're_ gone!"
+
+"I think," said Dick, looking about him curiously, "that it must be what
+is called a sleeping car."
+
+"Yes, of course it is," agreed the Prehistoric Doctor, who had joined
+the party. "See, here are the sleeping bunks. This is mine," he added,
+taking possession of one of the lower berths by throwing his carpet bag
+on to it.
+
+"I'll have the one above it," announced the Palæotherium, climbing up to
+the upper berth, and clumsily treading on the Prehistoric Doctor's hand
+as he did so.
+
+"I shall have to be near my Doctor, of course, as I am an invalid,"
+remarked the Dodo, plaintively, "so shall take the lower berth next to
+him."
+
+And thus each of the creatures took up their respective positions, and
+the children thought it best to follow their example. Dick and Fidge
+climbed up to one of the upper berths, and Marjorie made herself
+comfortable in the one below them.
+
+"It's much better than being in those horrid little tents on the
+draughty station," she called out; "and we are sure to get to
+_somewhere_ in this train, aren't we, Dick?"
+
+"Yes, rather," was her elder brother's reply. "I say, Sis, what are we
+going to do when they ask us for our tickets at the Crystal Palace? I
+haven't got any money except this two shillings, have you?"
+
+"Not a penny," admitted Marjorie. "However," she added, yawning
+sleepily, "I suppose it will all come right; none of the other creatures
+took tickets, you know. The great thing is to get back to England."
+
+"There's a window up here, and I have just looked out," said Dick, "it's
+all pitch dark."
+
+"Yes," murmured Marjorie; "Underground Railway to Crystal Palace; that's
+how we went last time, you know--part of the way, at any rate--let's go
+to sleep now. Good-night, Dick."
+
+"Good-night."
+
+"Nighty, nighty!" shouted Fidge.
+
+"Good-night, Fidge, dear," was his sister's reply, in a very tired
+voice.
+
+A moment afterwards the train gave a lurch, and there was a crash and a
+loud cry from one of the lower berths.
+
+Dick hastily scrambled down to ascertain what was the matter, and found
+that the Dodo had tumbled out of bed.
+
+"Bless my gloves and beak!" ejaculated the bird, as he picked himself
+up; "it's enough to frighten one out of their lives, isn't it?"
+
+"Have you hurt yourself much?" inquired Dick, kindly.
+
+"No; I don't think so," said the Dodo, carefully feeling himself all
+over to see if any bones were broken.
+
+"How do you like my nightcap?" he inquired, suddenly and inconsequently.
+"Does it suit me?"
+
+"Oh, it's all right, I suppose," said Dick, laughing in spite of himself
+at the bird's vanity. "Where did you get it?"
+
+"Found it under my pillow," announced the bird, triumphantly. "That's
+why I tumbled out of bed, so that some one at any rate, should come and
+see me in it. Nobody else seems to be coming, though," he added, looking
+anxiously up and down, "so I shall go to bed again; but I shall leave my
+curtains wide open, so that if anybody passes by during the night, or in
+the morning, they will see how beautiful I am when I am asleep."
+
+At that moment there was an awful noise like a deep groan, which grew
+and grew in volume till it sounded like distant thunder, and then faded
+away and ended up with a comical little whistle. Again and again it was
+repeated.
+
+"Oh, Dick! what is it?" called Marjorie, putting her head outside the
+curtains.
+
+"I can't think," said Dick, in a puzzled voice.
+
+"Where have I heard that sound before?" exclaimed the Dodo, putting one
+finger of the glove to his forehead, and striking a thoughtful attitude.
+
+"Ah! I have it," he cried. "Of course, it's a prehistoric snore--the
+Doctor is asleep."
+
+And, sure enough, that was what the noise was. By listening outside the
+curtains of his berth they discovered, without a doubt, that it
+proceeded from there.
+
+"What a frightful row," cried Dick, indignantly. "We can't go to sleep
+with all that noise going on. Let's wake him up."
+
+"Oh, no!" cried the Dodo, "not for worlds. He is sure to be very
+sensitive on the point, and would doubtless resent it very much."
+
+"He ought to be made to sleep in another part of the train, or in a
+carriage by himself," grumbled Dick, scrambling back to his berth just
+in time to meet Fidge, who was trying to get down at the risk of
+breaking his neck.
+
+"Oh! Dick!" he cried, pointing to the further corner of the berth,
+"Look! Look! A snake!"
+
+"What?" cried Marjorie, from below, with a little scream.
+
+"A snake!" repeated Fidge. "Look, look, Dick!" he cried, pointing.
+
+Dick looked in the direction indicated, and was horrified to see what he
+took to be a huge snake, slowly crawling over the partition which
+divided their berth from the next.
+
+"Give me something to hit it with, quick!" he shouted, excitedly. And
+Marjorie, with another little frightened scream, handed him the
+Prehistoric Doctor's umbrella, which was lying on the floor outside her
+berth.
+
+Dick seized the umbrella, and, grasping it with both hands, aimed a
+mighty blow at what he took to be the snake.
+
+An agonized scream from the next berth, and a hasty withdrawal of the
+_snake_, was followed by the appearance of the Palæotherium's head over
+the top of the partition.
+
+"Who did that?" he demanded, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"It was a snake!" cried Dick, excitedly, "and I was trying to kill it."
+
+"Snake, indeed!" said the Palæotherium, wrathfully. "It was my tail."
+
+"Oh! I'm _so_ sorry," exclaimed Dick, "I really _thought_ it was a
+snake, you know. I beg your pardon. I _do_ hope I haven't hurt you very
+much."
+
+"H'm! Well, I can't say that it was very pleasant," said the
+Palæotherium, "but if you are really sorry I'll forgive you--only you
+mustn't let it happen again."
+
+"Shouldn't have a tail like a snake," said Fidge, half crying, "and
+shouldn't let it come over in our bed."
+
+The Palæotherium muttered something that neither of the children could
+understand, and retired, and, except for the Prehistoric Doctor's
+snoring, all was quiet again.
+
+This time the children really did get to sleep, and when they awoke the
+carriage was quite light, and Dick, looking out through the little
+window at the side of his berth, could see that they were traveling
+through some very delightful country.
+
+"Wake up! Wake up, Marjorie," he cried, "it's morning."
+
+"I'm velly hungry," announced Fidge, sitting up and rubbing his eyes
+sleepily.
+
+"Yes, so am I," admitted Dick; "we must see what we can do to get some
+food."
+
+"The doors at the ends of the carriage are open," cried Marjorie, from
+below. "I believe it's a corridor train, like that we went to
+Scarborough in last year," she added. "Perhaps there's a dining-car at
+the end of this one."
+
+Dick and Fidge scrambled down, and, accompanied by Marjorie, determined
+to explore.
+
+None of the other creatures were apparently awake, and most of the
+curtains were drawn.
+
+The Dodo, however, true to his word, had left his open, and there he lay
+in an affected attitude, with his gloves carefully displayed outside the
+bed-clothes, and his nightcap arranged at the most becoming angle.
+
+Dick could see that he was not really asleep, for one eye was partially
+open, and as the children passed he murmured, quite loudly enough for
+Dick to hear--"Ain't I _beautiful_?"
+
+[Illustration: The Greedy Eterædarium.]
+
+Dick laughed, and passed on to where he could see some wash-basins and a
+water tap, and there the children had a most refreshing wash; and then,
+to their great delight, found that the next carriage was
+labeled--"BREAKFAST CAR"; and as it was the easiest matter in the world
+to step from one carriage to the other, they were soon at the door.
+
+As soon as they opened it they beheld a curious sight.
+
+There were a number of little tables in the carriage, on each of which
+were basins of steaming hot bread-and-milk.
+
+The Eterædarium stood at one of the tables, and, with a spoon in each
+hand, was greedily devouring the bread-and-milk as quickly as he
+possibly could.
+
+"Come on!" he shouted, with his mouth full. "Just in time. There are one
+or two basins left; but make haste, before the others come, or you won't
+get any."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
+
+
+The bread-and-milk was very good, and the children enjoyed it immensely.
+
+They would have taken a second basinful had the Eterædarium been at all
+pressing in his invitation for them to do so; but instead of asking them
+in the usual way, "Will you have any more?" he said, in a very anxious
+tone of voice, "You won't have any more, will you?" which was, of
+course, a very different thing; and so they each meekly said, "No, thank
+you," and watched the Eterædarium finish up the remaining basins.
+
+"There now, I feel that I've done my duty," he said, with a sigh of
+satisfaction, as he wiped his lips with a serviette, after scraping out
+the very last spoonful.
+
+"You see," he said, with a sort of half attempt at an apology, "I was
+afraid the poor, dear Dodo, in his delicate state of health, might come
+in to breakfast and eat more than was good for him; so, by eating the
+lot myself, I have prevented him from doing that. He ought to be very
+grateful to me, I'm sure."
+
+"But what about the others?" asked Dick.
+
+"Oh, great, strong, healthy animals like them, it will do them good to
+go without for once in a way. I think, though, that in order to prevent
+them from feeling any disappointment it will be better to throw the
+basins out of the window, the sight of them would probably be rather
+tantalizing." And the Eterædarium began hurriedly to throw all the
+breakfast things out of the window--spoons, basins, tablecloths, and
+serviettes, all disappeared, and only the three basins which the
+children had been using remained.
+
+They, doubtless, would have followed the others had not the Dodo,
+leaning heavily on the Prehistoric Doctor's arm, entered the breakfast
+car just at that moment.
+
+"Ah! bread-and-milk--capital!" exclaimed the Doctor, rubbing his hands,
+and looking at the children's basins. "I think our patient could manage
+a small basinful, eh?"
+
+The Dodo, with a great affectation of weakness, feebly nodded his head.
+
+"I think I _could_ manage a small basinful, Doctor--er--er--not _too_
+small, you know. A _very_ small quantity never agrees with me."
+
+"No, no; of course not," said the Doctor, soothingly. "I will see that
+it is not too small; and perhaps, just to encourage you, I will have a
+basinful myself."
+
+"It's all gone!" said the Eterædarium, suddenly and emphatically.
+
+"Gone!" screamed the Dodo, in a loud voice, quite forgetting his
+supposed weakness. "Do you mean to say there is _none_ left?"
+
+The Eterædarium shook his head.
+
+"But where's it all gone to?" asked the Doctor.
+
+The Eterædarium solemnly pointed to the children.
+
+"Pigs!" declared the Dodo, wrathfully.
+
+"Here, who are you calling pigs?" demanded Dick, getting up angrily.
+
+"Well, I must say that it was exceedingly greedy of you to devour all of
+the breakfast," said the Doctor, reprovingly.
+
+"But we didn't," said Dick. "It was the Eterædarium; he had ever so many
+basinsful. We only had one each, didn't we, Marjorie?"
+
+"No," said Marjorie; "and mine was a very small one."
+
+"And mine was the littlest of all," said Fidge, flourishing his spoon,
+"like the littlest bear's, you know, in the story of the Three Bears."
+
+"Well, where are the other basins, then, if you say the Eterædarium had
+such a lot?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"He threw them out of the window," declared the children.
+
+"Oh! Oh! Well, I _never_--whatever will they say next?" cried the
+Eterædarium, throwing up his hands and turning his eyes up to the
+ceiling.
+
+"I must say it doesn't seem a very probable story," said the Doctor,
+looking out of the window; "and as I don't see any of the basins lying
+about I am afraid I cannot believe your statement."
+
+"But that was some time ago," argued Dick, "and as we are traveling very
+rapidly they must be some miles down the line by this time."
+
+[Illustration: The arrival at the Crystal Palace.]
+
+"Rubbish!" exclaimed the Dodo, "you are only making matters worse by
+your lame excuses. I always had my suspicions that you were a greedy
+lot, like all the rest of the human creatures."
+
+"Ahem!" coughed the Doctor, looking pained.
+
+"Oh, you're prehistoric--that doesn't count," said the Dodo, and the
+Doctor brightened up again.
+
+Fortunately, at this moment, something occurred to prevent the argument
+from continuing, or goodness knows where it might have led to, for the
+children were naturally indignant at being so greatly misjudged. Dick
+was particularly wroth. Their attention was diverted, however, by the
+train dashing into a station, and coming to a somewhat abrupt stop,
+causing the passengers to pitch forward, while a porter called in a loud
+voice, "Crystal Palace! Crystal Palace! All change here!"
+
+"Oh! here we are, at last," cried the children, hurrying on to the
+platform where the animals were all turning out.
+
+The porter had given one horrified glance at the strange creatures, and
+then, with a howl of fear, had fled up the steps at the end of the
+platform. The children could see that he was explaining something or
+other to the ticket collector, for that worthy came to the barrier and
+peeped over.
+
+"Oh--o--o--a--aah!" the children heard him cry, and then he fled, as his
+companion had done, leaving the barrier free.
+
+"Come," laughed Dick, "that simplifies matters considerably, for we
+shall not have to bother about our tickets now." And the children
+hurried up the stairs, while the Dodo remained behind to adjust his
+gloves, complaining loudly that notice ought to have been given that
+they were nearing the station, so that he might have made himself
+presentable before alighting.
+
+On turning back, while on the steps, the children could see that,
+besides their own party, the train had contained a number of other
+strange animals, some of whom, the Archæopteryx whispered, impressively,
+were "antediluvians."
+
+[Illustration: "'Sh'sh! A Missionary,' whispered the Dodo, excitedly."]
+
+The whole party having alighted, with a great deal of noise and
+confusion, they proceeded at once to the Palace. Everywhere their
+appearance was the signal for a wild stampede of other visitors, and by
+the time they had reached the great hall no one at all was in sight,
+except one old gentleman in glasses, who was consulting a guide book
+while he stood before a group of wooden Hottentots.
+
+"Sh!" whispered the Dodo, "a Missionary! I have seen them before, when
+abroad. In some places they are greatly admired by the natives, some of
+whom have described them enthusiastically as being simply _delicious_!
+Let us be friendly to him; he is, no doubt, a very excellent man.
+
+"My dear Sir," he continued, waddling up to the Missionary, "delighted
+to see you looking so well."
+
+The Missionary, who was very short-sighted, beamed kindly, and grasped
+the Dodo's glove, while he peered up into his face through his glasses.
+On catching sight of his beak, however, he gave a gasp of astonishment,
+and stammered--
+
+"I'm afraid, Sir, you've made a mistake. I--er--I--er--don't remember
+your face."
+
+"Oh, well, it is some time since we met, certainly; but perhaps you know
+my friend?" said the Dodo, introducing the Eterædarium, who came forward
+with an engaging grin.
+
+The poor Missionary gave him a hasty glance through his glasses, and
+then, nervously clutching his guide book and umbrella, muttered
+something about "an important engagement," and fled in the direction of
+the big clock.
+
+"Strange how nervous everybody is in my presence," murmured the Dodo,
+conceitedly. "It's doubtless my beauty and brilliant wit which alarms
+them; but, come on, let's go out to the lake, and I'll take you for a
+row."
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo was a muff at rowing."]
+
+So, having met with the Palæotherium, they all three got into a boat.
+
+The Dodo was a muff at rowing, though, and kept "catching a crab," which
+disaster he accounted for by declaring that the fishes would keep
+holding on to his oar when he dipped it into the water; but the
+Palæotherium, who was in the bow of the boat, and consequently got all
+of the splashes and knocks with the oar, declared that this was all
+nonsense, and I am inclined to agree with him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A DIFFICULTY WITH THE ROUNDABOUT.
+
+
+While the Dodo and his friends were enjoying themselves on the lake, the
+children and the others were wandering about the grounds, and
+continually discovering fresh attractions. What puzzled them not a
+little, however, was the fact that there seemed to be no other visitors
+about, and even the attendants had disappeared in a most mysterious
+manner.
+
+At the roundabout the steam was up, but there was apparently nobody in
+charge.
+
+"What a pity," said Dick, "I should have liked very much to have gone
+around on the horses, wouldn't you, Marjorie?"
+
+"I should," chimed in Fidge.
+
+"Yes, it would have been rather jolly," said Marjorie. "Don't you think
+perhaps the Prehistoric Doctor could manage to set it going? Let's ask
+him."
+
+"Well, my dear," said the Doctor, when consulted on the subject, "I
+don't know much about machinery, but I'll try, if you like."
+
+"What's that?" inquired the Dodo, just then coming up, he having failed
+to get on with the rowing to his own or anybody else's satisfaction.
+
+"Why, we are just discussing the question of setting this roundabout
+going," explained the Doctor.
+
+"Pooh! the easiest thing in the world," said the Dodo. "You just get on,
+and I'll soon start you off."
+
+"All right," cried the Doctor, getting astride one of the horses.
+
+"Hold on!" cried the Palæotherium; "let us get on, too."
+
+And he and several of the others clambered up to their places.
+
+"I think," whispered Marjorie, nervously, "that we had better wait and
+see how they get on, before trying ourselves."
+
+"That's just like a girl," cried Dick--"afraid of everything."
+
+"I'm not," replied Marjorie, indignantly; "I'm quite ready to go on, if
+you want to--only I thought----"
+
+"All aboard!" interrupted the Dodo, pulling the lever.
+
+"Stop! Stop!" shouted Dick; "we want to get on."
+
+"Too late!" cried the Dodo. "You shall go on the next journey." And with
+a shriek from the steam-whistle the horses began to go around.
+
+"There you are, you see," said the Dodo, complacently regarding the
+result of his efforts. "I said it was an easy matter to set them going."
+
+Faster and faster grew the pace, till the Doctor, who at first seemed to
+be enjoying his ride immensely, suddenly threw his arms around his
+horse's neck, and gasped out, breathlessly--
+
+"Oh! Oh! Stop them! They're running away?"
+
+"Pooh! Nonsense!" cried the Dodo; "don't be a baby."
+
+"Stop them! Stop them! Help! Help!" screamed the other poor creatures,
+as the horses whirled around faster and faster.
+
+The Dodo went to the engine and tried to push the lever back again, but,
+to his great consternation, he found that he could not do so, and the
+only result of pulling another lever which he discovered was to make the
+machinery work more rapidly than before.
+
+"Gracious!" cried Marjorie, wringing her hands, "whatever _is_ to be
+done?" While even Dick turned a little pale, for the poor creatures were
+by this time whirling around so quickly that one could scarcely be
+distinguished from the other.
+
+Every now and then the poor Palæotherium might be heard screaming above
+the others, who were all calling out in their fright and alarm.
+
+The Dodo left the engine, and came and stared at them.
+
+"H'm!" he ejaculated. "_I_ don't know what's to be done. If they don't
+stop soon, I suppose we shall have to shoot them. It's the only thing I
+can think of."
+
+"Shoot them!" exclaimed Dick, in a horrified voice.
+
+"Well, what else is to be done, I should like to know? We can't leave
+them here whirling around like that forever."
+
+"I should think," suggested Dick, after vainly trying to push the lever
+back into its place himself, "that if we raked all the fuel out of the
+engine, it would probably stop of its own accord."
+
+"Ah! happy thought," said the Dodo, and with all possible speed they set
+to work to carry out Dick's suggestion.
+
+They were delighted to find that after a time their project was
+successful, and the machinery gradually ceased to work, and at last
+stopped altogether.
+
+The poor creatures looked more dead than alive as with pale faces they
+clung limply to the upright supports attached to each of the horses.
+
+The Doctor, weak though he was, was furious.
+
+"Wretched, ungrateful creature!" he cried, getting painfully off his
+horse and going up to the Dodo. "This is how you reward me for having
+saved your life."
+
+"I couldn't help it," whimpered the Dodo. "I couldn't, really."
+
+[Illustration: "'Not any higher, please,' gasped the Dodo."]
+
+"Bah! I've a great mind never to speak to you again," said the Doctor,
+disgustedly.
+
+The other creatures now came up, and began to abuse the Dodo, too.
+
+Fortunately, just in time to prevent a general squabble, the
+Eterædarium, who had not been one of the number to patronize the
+roundabout, returned with the information that there were some swings a
+little way off.
+
+Despite their unfortunate experience on the roundabout, there was a
+general rush on the part of the creatures for this new attraction, and
+the Dodo and the Eterædarium had hard work to secure a swing for
+themselves.
+
+"Shall I give you a push?" asked the Doctor, kindly, though with a
+curious gleam in his eye.
+
+"Yes, please," said the Dodo, gratefully.
+
+"All right," said the Doctor. "Hold tight!" And he gave a mighty shove,
+sending the swing high above all the others.
+
+"It's very--very nice," gasped the Dodo, "but don't push any higher,
+please."
+
+"Hold tight," said the Doctor, relentlessly, giving another shove,
+harder than before.
+
+"Oh! please--please d--don't, or we shall be upset," implored the Dodo,
+nervously, as the swing shot up into the air.
+
+"I'll teach you to twizzle me on the roundabout," cried the Doctor,
+vindictively. "Will you ever do it again?"
+
+[Illustration: "Fidge was delighted."]
+
+"Oh! no, n--no, never!" promised the Dodo.
+
+"Well, one good one for the last, then," cried the Doctor, giving a
+final push, and then leaving the poor Dodo to his fate.
+
+I don't think that it could have been a very dreadful one, however, for
+a few minutes later he had joined the three children and the
+Palæotherium in a journey on the switchback.
+
+Fidge, who had never been on one before, was delighted with the
+experience, and shouted, "Hooray! This is jolly!" as the car dashed down
+the steep incline.
+
+The poor Palæotherium, however, his nerves evidently greatly unstrung by
+his unfortunate experience on the roundabout, was dreadfully upset, and
+alarmed, and, hiding his eyes, he crouched at the bottom of the car till
+it reached the other end, when he at once got out, and no amount of
+persuasion would induce him to undertake the return journey.
+
+He had scarcely got out into the grounds again, when he met the
+Archæopteryx, who was carrying a strange-looking object, which he held
+up for the Palæotherium's inspection.
+
+"Your tail, I believe," he said.
+
+The Palæotherium gave a hasty glance at his back, and then said, in
+rather a shamefaced way--
+
+[Illustration: "Does this belong to you?"]
+
+"Thank you! Yes, it is. You see, I have been obliged to wear a false one
+for some time; I had no idea, however, that it had become detached." And
+he carefully adjusted it again, tying it on with a couple of tapes, and
+artfully concealing the ends.
+
+"Our family," he whispered, "have no tails to speak of, and, as we look
+rather remarkable without them, most of us wear artificial ones; but
+please don't tell the others, they are sure to make fun of me, if you
+do."
+
+"All right," promised the Archæopteryx, kindly; "I won't, if you don't
+wish me to; but I----"
+
+"Hist! hist!" interrupted a voice, and the Dodo, with a very scared
+face, peeped from behind a tree. "Who _do_ you think is here?" he
+gasped.
+
+"Who?" inquired the others, curiously.
+
+"The Little Panjandrum himself," declared the Dodo. "I have just caught
+sight of him up by the Palace, and he looks _so_ angry about
+something."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM AT LAST.
+
+
+"The Little Panjandrum!" exclaimed Marjorie, "I _shall_ be glad to see
+him at last. What is he like?"
+
+"Oh! don't bother me about him," cried the Dodo, impatiently; "he's all
+right as Panjandrums go, I suppose, but I don't want to get into his
+clutches again, I can tell you."
+
+"Don't you, indeed?" remarked a voice, sarcastically. "Well, His
+Importance is particularly anxious to see _you_ again, anyhow."
+
+The Dodo gasped, and the children turning around beheld the Little
+Panjandrum's Ambassador.
+
+"Hullo! you here, too?" he continued, when he recognized them. "Well, I
+must say, you have been long enough bringing this wretched bird along."
+
+"I think you ought to be very grateful to us for having done so at all,"
+said Dick, boldly. "What are you going to do with him now you have got
+him?"
+
+"H'm! that remains to be seen," said the Ambassador, pursing his lips up
+tightly, and staring at the Dodo severely.
+
+[Illustration: "'Come along,' said the Ambassador."]
+
+"Come along," he continued, catching hold of what would have been the
+Dodo's ear if he had had one, but which was in reality a sort of woolly
+fluff growing all over his head.
+
+"Come along, and see your friend the Little Panjandrum."
+
+"Leave go!" screamed the Dodo, "you hurt."
+
+"Rubbish!" exclaimed the Ambassador, dragging him along, "it doesn't
+hurt _me_!"
+
+"Oh! oh! I've dropped one of my gloves," cried the Dodo, pathetically.
+
+"If you take my advice, you'll throw the other one away, too," said the
+Ambassador; "it will only make the Little Panjandrum more angry than
+ever to see them."
+
+"They make me look so respectable," whispered the Dodo.
+
+"Respectable!" said the Ambassador, contemptuously; "nothing would make
+_you_ respectable--you ridiculous object, you."
+
+"I think you are most un--un--ki--ki--kind," sobbed the Dodo, "you are
+always pi--pi--pi--pitching into m--me, and ca--ca--calling me
+n--n--nasty names. It--it--it's too bad."
+
+"Oh, stop that noise," said the Ambassador, giving the Dodo's wool a
+twist; "I'm ashamed of you. Ah, here comes His Importance," he
+continued, as the sound of a drum was heard in the distance.
+
+The children all eagerness to see the Little Panjandrum, stood in a
+line by the side of the pathway, while the Ambassador, keeping a firm
+hold on the Dodo, remained by their side.
+
+The sound of the drum drew nearer, and the children could distinguish
+another sound mingling with it.
+
+The Ambassador smiled blandly, while he kept time with his foot.
+
+Presently the children caught sight of a curious procession approaching.
+The Little Panjandrum, a little fat man in Oriental costume, was
+preceded by two attendants--one playing a kind of drum, and the other a
+jew's harp, while a third attendant held an enormous umbrella over His
+Importance's head. On the top of the umbrella were a number of curious
+signs, of which the children could not possibly imagine the meaning.
+
+"Obbly--bobblee--wallee--bobbel--ob," said the Ambassador, bowing three
+times, and dragging the Dodo's head down with him each time.
+
+"Flop!" replied the Little Panjandrum, and the two musicians fell on
+their faces.
+
+"Um--sopelee--gumbos--galapaloo--glab," remarked the Ambassador.
+
+"Ploff!" said the Little Panjandrum, and the black slave at the back
+jigged the State Umbrella up and down several times very violently.
+
+[Illustration: The Panjandrum and suite passed along.]
+
+"What a funny language," whispered Marjorie. "I wonder what they are
+talking about?"
+
+"Semlifee--dobbel--bingle--bingle--boff," cried the Ambassador, lifting
+up one leg, while the Dodo painfully followed his example.
+
+The Little Panjandrum gravely kicked the two musicians, who were still
+prostrate on the ground before him, and they immediately arose and stood
+on one leg each, like the Ambassador. Then His Importance himself
+balanced himself in the same way. The black slave at the back, whose
+legs were attached to those of the Little Panjandrum, imitated him.
+
+The children were highly interested in this proceeding, when the
+Ambassador, without speaking, motioned them to stand on one leg each,
+too.
+
+"Come on, let's do it," said Dick, "and see what they are going to do."
+
+So the three children solemnly hopped upon one foot, too.
+
+For a moment or two no one spoke. And at last the Dodo, gasping out,
+"Oh! I can't keep it up any longer," fell to the ground, and everybody
+else put their leg down again.
+
+"Ough!" said the Ambassador, in a disgusted voice. "Of course, _you_
+must needs spoil it all. Most disrespectful behavior to the Little
+Panjandrum, I call it."
+
+"I couldn't help it," gasped the Dodo, apologetically.
+
+"Oh, of course not," said the Ambassador. "A bad excuse is better than
+none."
+
+"Well, _I_ couldn't have kept it up much longer," declared Marjorie;
+"could you, Dick?"
+
+"No," said Dick; "I can't think what we are doing it at all for."
+
+"Court etiquette demands it," said the Ambassador, importantly. "Hush!
+His Importance is about to speak."
+
+"Gobloblee! grabluff!" said the Little Panjandrum.
+
+"Go on, Dodo," said the Ambassador. "_Gobloblee, grabluff_, at once when
+His Importance tells you."
+
+The Dodo gave a sigh, and went up to the Little Panjandrum's Umbrella
+and gave it a twirl. When it stopped, a little finger at the top pointed
+to the word "Guilty," which was painted in large letters in one section
+of the Umbrella.
+
+"Again," said the Ambassador.
+
+The Dodo, looking very dejected, gave the Umbrella another twirl. This
+time it stopped at the words "Hard labor."
+
+The Dodo groaned.
+
+"Once more!" shouted the Ambassador.
+
+For the third time the unlucky bird spun the Umbrella round, and this
+time it stopped at "Fine."
+
+"How much, your Importance?" asked the Ambassador of the Little
+Panjandrum.
+
+"_Cablofechee!_" was the reply.
+
+"Your gloves are forfeited," declared the Ambassador.
+
+The Dodo gave a despairing glance at the children, and began to remove
+his one glove.
+
+"What's he being tried for?" asked Dick, in a whisper.
+
+"Contempt of Panjandrumosity," said the Ambassador. "It's a dreadful
+offence. All trials are conducted by means of the State Umbrella; it
+saves all the bother of judges and juries, you know. But, look out! the
+Little Panjandrum is off again."
+
+"Dumflopety--golopegee--gal--popo--sum--delopotomex," remarked the
+Little Panjandrum, as he walked away, escorted by his retinue.
+
+"He says that your 'hard labor' sentence is, to carry the State Umbrella
+in future, and that you are to commence your duties in one hour from
+now; in the meantime you may consider yourself at liberty till then."
+
+The Ambassador followed after the Little Panjandrum, and the children
+gathered around the poor Dodo, full of sympathy for his misfortunes.
+
+[Illustration: "'Go it, Dodo!' cried the Palæotherium."]
+
+"Have they gone?" whispered the Prehistoric Doctor, coming forward from
+behind a bush, behind which he had been hiding.
+
+"Yes," said Marjorie. "Isn't it a shame the poor Dodo should always be
+getting into hot water?"
+
+"Never mind," said the Doctor; "I've found something that will make him
+happy. Look here!"
+
+The Dodo raised himself up from the ground, and gave an inquiring glance
+at the Doctor who held out a pair of boxing-gloves.
+
+"Oh! what beauties!" said the Dodo. "How fat they are! Are they for me?"
+
+"Yes, if you would like them," said the Doctor. "I have a pair, too.
+Let's try a round together--shall we?"
+
+"All right!" shouted the Dodo, getting up excitedly, and hastily
+fastening on the gloves. "Now then--guard!" And he went for the Doctor
+furiously. The Doctor squared up, and was soon boxing as skilfully as
+the Dodo.
+
+The Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, hearing the noise, came forward
+and joined the crowd of creatures, which by this time had collected in a
+ring. And amid shouts of "Go it, Dodo!" "Three cheers for the Dodo!"
+the first round concluded, the ungainly bird winning a decided victory.
+They were just about to begin again, when they heard a succession of
+piercing screams from the direction in which the lake was situated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+TURNED TO STONE.
+
+
+"Good gracious! what's that?" inquired the Dodo, as the screams
+continued.
+
+"We'd better go and see," said Dick, practically running off in the
+direction of the lake, followed by the others.
+
+On passing the clump of trees and evergreens, which obstructed their
+view, they discovered the Little Panjandrum, in a great state of
+agitation, hiding behind the official Umbrella, his body-attendant lying
+prone on the ground in a state of abject fear; while the rest of the
+suite, having cast aside their musical instruments, were rushing away,
+shouting lustily.
+
+On the opposite side of the path stood a few of the prehistoric
+creatures which accompanied the children on their excursion to the
+Crystal Palace.
+
+They were looking at the Little Panjandrum with a mild surprise, and
+seemed quite at a loss to know what all the hullabaloo was about.
+
+[Illustration: The Little Panjandrum and suite are alarmed.]
+
+"Gulla--hubly--olla--bolee!" shouted the Little Panjandrum, pointing to
+the animals with his umbrella.
+
+"Oh, they're all right, your Importance," said the Dodo; "they are
+friends of mine."
+
+"Friends, indeed!" exclaimed the Ambassador, coming from where he had
+been hiding behind a tree. "Pretty friends! What do you call the
+creatures?"
+
+"Oh, there's the Archæopteryx, you know, and the Eterædarium, and the
+Palæo----"
+
+"Stop! stop!" interrupted the Ambassador, as each of the animals
+mentioned bowed gravely. "I absolutely decline to know creatures with
+names like _those_. I'm sure they are not respectable, and I'm not at
+all sure, even now, that they are not dangerous; however, I shall know
+how to deal with _them_ presently. The penalty for alarming the Little
+Panjandrum is a very severe one." And he frowned very sternly at the
+creatures, who looked rather uncomfortable, and waddled off in the
+direction of the lake, whispering together in a decidedly scared way.
+
+"You didn't tell me you had all these hideous objects with you,"
+continued the Ambassador, addressing the Dodo.
+
+"I thought you knew," stammered the unlucky bird; "they are prehistoric,
+you know," he added, apologetically.
+
+[Illustrastion: There was some consolation, he was allowed to wear his
+gloves.]
+
+"That only makes it worse," declared the Ambassador. "In that case they
+ought to be dead, every one of them, ever so long ago. They have no
+right to be prowling about at a highly-respectable place like the
+Crystal Palace. No wonder there's nobody about; they've frightened them
+away, that's what it is. And you're to blame as much as anybody for
+bringing them here."
+
+"I didn't!" gasped the Dodo.
+
+"You did," said the Ambassador, emphatically. "You said they were your
+friends; so they _must_ have come with you. And I'll tell you what, in
+order to prevent you from picking up any more undesirable acquaintances,
+you shall just commence your duties as Umbrella Bearer at once," and,
+untying the ribbons by which the Little Panjandrum's attendant was
+attached to His Importance, the Ambassador, bringing forth a heavy pair
+of chains from his capacious pockets, proceeded to chain the Dodo up to
+the Little Panjandrum's waistband.
+
+The poor Dodo looked the picture of misery as the Umbrella was put into
+his hand.
+
+"M--may I have m--my gloves?" he whimpered.
+
+The Ambassador, after considering a minute, gave his consent, on the
+score that it _might_ improve his appearance, and caused the black
+attendant to hunt for the missing one, which had been thrown down on
+the ground near to the roundabout.
+
+He soon returned with it, and the Dodo, with a delighted chuckle, put
+the pair on, and, after smoothing them carefully, regarded his hands
+very complacently, and seemed to consider having them some compensation
+for the degraded occupation to which he had been put.
+
+"I'll go now and settle the others," declared the Ambassador. "What did
+you say their names were?" he inquired, sternly, of the Dodo.
+
+The poor bird called out the names one by one, and the Ambassador
+carefully entered them in his pocket-book, and then stalked majestically
+away in the direction of the lake, while the Little Panjandrum settled
+himself on a gaudily-colored rug, which the black attendant carefully
+spread on the ground at his feet, and with a self-satisfied smile on his
+little round face gravely twiddled his thumbs and took no notice of
+anybody.
+
+"Go and see what he does to them," whispered the Dodo, referring to the
+Ambassador and the creatures.
+
+Nothing loth, the children ran off to the lake to see what was
+happening. Pushing aside the bushes, they could see the Ambassador
+standing on the edge of the path, waving a wand in one hand, while in
+the other he flourished a legal-looking document.
+
+[Illustration: "In the name of the Panjandrum, I command you."]
+
+The prehistoric creatures were scrambling through the water, and getting
+as far away as possible on to the islands in the middle of the lake.
+
+"All you Palæotheriums, Eterædariums, Archæopteryx, Megatheriums,
+Pleisiosauruses, Ichthyosauruses, and other prehistoric wretches, in the
+name of the Panjandrum, I command you--_be turned into stone_."
+
+When the Ambassador uttered these terrible words a most singular thing
+happened. In whatever attitude the creatures were they remained so; and
+gradually each assumed a stony and lifeless expression, and the spell or
+incantation which the Ambassador had pronounced had evidently taken
+effect.
+
+The children were very much alarmed, and ran back to the Dodo, and in a
+hurried whisper informed him of what had occurred.
+
+"Turned all the prehistoric animals into stone, has he?" said the bird,
+gleefully; "then I can see a splendid way out of my troubles. Wait till
+the Ambassador returns, and you will see some capital fun." And the Dodo
+struck a rigid attitude, and remained in that position, totally
+disregarding the questions with which the children plied him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE DODO'S LITTLE RUSE.
+
+
+The State Umbrella, which the Dodo had been carrying, fell to the ground
+with a crash, and so startled the Little Panjandrum that he jumped to
+his feet and nervously tried to run away. The chains, however, by which
+the Dodo was attached to his girdle, prevented him from doing so.
+
+The bird, with his beak in the air, and his gloves extended in a most
+grotesque attitude, was immovable and rigid as stone. Not a muscle
+moved, and the Little Panjandrum, after staring at him a moment, called
+out, angrily--
+
+"Olla--balloo--calle--gablob?"
+
+There was not the slightest movement on the part of the bird, and just
+then the Ambassador returned.
+
+"Hullo! What's the trouble?" he cried, staring at the Dodo.
+
+"Gablobbee--balloo--olla--wobble!" said the Little Panjandrum,
+excitedly.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Ambassador, "something gone wrong with the Dodo?
+Here, what's the matter with you?" he continued, giving the bird a
+shake.
+
+The Dodo didn't budge an inch, but continued in the same position, his
+eyes fixed in a stony stare.
+
+"I can't think what's wrong with him," declared the Ambassador, with a
+puzzled expression on his face.
+
+"Perhaps he's turned into stone, like the others," suggested Dick,
+mischievously.
+
+"Ah!" said the Ambassador, clapping his hand to his forehead in a
+dramatic manner; "_that's_ what it is, depend upon it. Good gracious!
+_how_ unfortunate. Let's see, what did I say when pronouncing the
+spell?"
+
+"Why, after mentioning most of the creatures' names, you said, 'and all
+other prehistoric wretches.' I remember quite well," said Marjorie,
+"because I thought at the time it was rather rude of you to call them
+wretches."
+
+"H'm! Then _he_ must have been a prehistoric wretch," said the
+Ambassador, absently. "Dear me! I always knew he was extinct, but I had
+no idea he was antediluvian as well. That accounts for a lot of things.
+No wonder he was eccentric." And he gazed at the Dodo quite sorrowfully.
+
+"Well, well," he resumed, "it can't be helped now. We must make the best
+of a bad matter; all the talking in the world won't restore him to life
+again." And he turned to the Little Panjandrum and entered into a lengthy
+conversation with him in their native language, which the children could
+not understand in the least.
+
+[Illustration: The Dodo was rigid, motionless.]
+
+The Little Panjandrum seemed greatly distressed at the disaster which
+had befallen the Dodo, and, it appeared, insisted upon a monument being
+erected to his memory. Thereupon the Ambassador, by a brilliant
+inspiration, thought of the novel plan of making the bird act as his own
+statue.
+
+"As he is turned into stone," said he, "we have only to find a pedestal
+to put him on, and there we are."
+
+A little way off, a stone Cupid, rather the worse for wear, stood beside
+the pathway, and this, the Ambassador decided, should be removed to make
+way for the Dodo.
+
+The united efforts of the Little Panjandrum's suite (who had by this
+time returned, having been assured that the creatures which had so
+alarmed them had been rendered harmless) soon succeeded in overthrowing
+Cupid from his pedestal, and after a great deal of pulling, pushing, and
+straining, the Dodo, still posing in his grotesque attitude, was stuck
+up in his place.
+
+"There must be an inscription," said the Ambassador, and, rummaging
+about in his pockets, he brought forth a piece of black crayon. "THE
+DODO, NOW FORTUNATELY EXTINCT," he wrote in large letters, and then
+stood back to admire the effect.
+
+[Illustrastion: The Dodo's Monument.]
+
+The Little Panjandrum beamed approval, and calling together his suite,
+the Black Attendant once more raised the State Umbrella over His
+Importance's head, and the tom-tom and Jew's harp began their strange
+music, while the Ambassador took a hurried leave of the children, and
+the cortège passed out of sight. Fainter and fainter grew the sound of
+the instruments, and the children, somewhat alarmed at being left all
+alone, were half undecided whether to follow or not, when their
+attention was called to a smothered giggling at the back of them.
+
+Turning around, they beheld the Dodo holding his hands to his sides, and
+shaking with suppressed laughter.
+
+"Ho! ho! ho!" he laughed, dancing about on the pedestal, "haven't I
+tricked them beautifully? _Turned to stone! The Dodo, now fortunately
+extinct!_ Ha! ha! ha! he! he! _what_ a lark! They'll find I'm not so
+extinct as they think." And, jumping down, he made a grimace in the
+direction in which the Little Panjandrum and suite had vanished.
+
+"I think I've got the best of them _this_ time," he continued,
+triumphantly.
+
+"But come, let's get out of this as soon as possible. You want to get to
+London, don't you? Let's start at once, if not sooner."
+
+"But, I say, what are we going to do for money?" said Dick. "One can't
+get to London without that, you know."
+
+"Oh, we'll find a way somehow," said the Dodo, hopefully. "Come along."
+
+So the children all trudged back to the Palace again. Fidge, who was
+very glad to see his old friend the Dodo restored to life again,
+wouldn't leave his side, but trotted along with him, chatting merrily.
+
+"Ah!" said the Dodo, as they went up the steps leading into the great
+hall, "there's my old friend the Missionary; perhaps he will be able to
+help us out of our difficulty." And going up to the gentleman, he gave
+him a playful pat on the shoulder, and exclaimed, pleasantly--
+
+"Here we are again, you see!"
+
+The Missionary started nervously, and peered at the Dodo through his
+glasses.
+
+"Oh--er--how do you do?" he cried, hurriedly, giving a rather startled
+glance all round him. "Are your other friends with you?"
+
+[Illustration:"'You're very good,' said the Dodo."]
+
+"Oh, you mean the Eterædarium, and the Palæotherium. No--they--er,
+they've met with a rather nasty accident. They've been turned into
+stone."
+
+"Bless me!" exclaimed the Missionary, looking greatly concerned. "You
+don't say so! What an extraordinary thing to happen. I had no idea that
+there were any petrifying waters hereabouts."
+
+"Well, they're turned to stone, anyhow," said the Dodo, "down by the
+lake there. It's rather awkward for us, you see, because we can't stop
+here forever by ourselves, and we haven't any money to get home with."
+
+"My dear Sir," said the Missionary, generously taking out his purse,
+"can I be of any assistance to you?"
+
+"It's very kind of you," said the Dodo.
+
+"Not at all," cried the Missionary, heartily, pressing some money into
+the Dodo's glove, which, of course, immediately fell off and
+disconcerted the Missionary very much, while the Dodo scrambled about
+and picked up the scattered coins.
+
+The children thought it very kind of the Missionary to lend them the
+money, and Dick and Marjorie went up to him and thanked him very
+politely; and then, having done this, the whole party hurried off to the
+train.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+FIRST CLASS TO LONDON.
+
+
+The railway station at the Crystal Palace was soon reached, and the Dodo
+went boldly up to the booking-office and demanded some tickets for
+London.
+
+The Ticket-clerk, who could only see the top of the Dodo's head, very
+naturally mistook him for an old gentleman without his hat, and
+inquired, politely, "What class, Sir?"
+
+This was a puzzler, and the Dodo went back to Dick and told him that the
+gentleman in the office wanted to know what class they were in.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Dick.
+
+"What class you're in at school, I suppose," said the Dodo, doubtfully.
+
+"Why, I'm in the fourth form," said Dick; "but I don't see what he wants
+to know _that_ for, unless--Oh yes, of course, I see--he wants to find
+out how old we are, because up to twelve years of age you can travel
+half-price, you know. Let's see--we only want halves, Marjorie and
+Fidge and myself; you'll have to get a whole ticket, I suppose, though I
+have seen a notice at a railway station somewhere, on which it stated,
+'Soldiers and Dogs half-price.' Perhaps it applies to birds, too. You
+had better ask, I think."
+
+So the Dodo went back to the booking-office again and inquired, "Do
+birds travel half-price?"
+
+"Birds!" exclaimed the Booking-clerk. "Nonsense! There is no charge for
+birds, unless you have a quantity," he added, as an afterthought. "How
+many have you?"
+
+"Oh, there's only one," said the Dodo.
+
+"Take it in the carriage with you, no charge," said the Clerk.
+
+"Thanks! It's awfully kind of you," said the Dodo. "I'll take three
+half-tickets for London, then, please."
+
+"First class?" inquired the Clerk.
+
+"No! Fourth form, please," said the Dodo.
+
+"You mean fourth _class_, I suppose," said the Clerk, laughing; "but
+there _is_ no fourth class, you know. First, second, or third."
+
+"Oh! then I'll have third; I suppose that's the best?" cried the Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "You can't take that into the carriage with you."]
+
+"No," explained the Clerk, "first class is best."
+
+"What a funny arrangement," said the Dodo. "I should have thought the
+third would have been an improvement on the first; but, however, let's
+have the first-class tickets, please. When does the train start?"
+
+"There's one due in directly," said the Clerk. "Down the steps on the
+right."
+
+And the Dodo, collecting his change, and grasping his tickets, marched
+off towards the barrier.
+
+The Clerk, whose curiosity was aroused by the strange questions which
+had been addressed to him, came to the window to have a better view of
+his interrogator, and was just in time to catch sight of the Dodo
+walking off with the three children.
+
+"Well, I never!" he exclaimed, perfectly astounded at this strange
+sight. "And he asked if birds traveled at half-price, too! Well, I've
+had some odd customers here at the Crystal Palace, but never a one like
+that before." And he went back to his work in a highly-bewildered frame
+of mind.
+
+Meanwhile the Dodo and the children, finding no one at the barrier to
+obstruct them, went down to the platform, and a moment later the train
+came dashing into the station.
+
+"First class in the middle of the train," shouted Dick, grasping Fidge's
+hand, and hurrying down the platform.
+
+"Here! where are you going to with that bird?" shouted a voice behind
+them, and Dick and the Dodo turned around and walked slowly back to
+where the Guard, an elderly and very important-looking man, stood
+regarding them sternly.
+
+"Oh, it's all right; the gentleman up-stairs said there was no charge
+for birds," explained the Dodo, importantly, thinking that the man was
+inquiring about his ticket.
+
+"H'm! sort of a big parrot, I suppose, Sir?" said the Guard, addressing
+Dick, and not taking the slightest notice of the Dodo's remark.
+
+"Parrot, indeed!" shouted the bird, indignantly. "Perhaps you haven't
+noticed my gloves and necktie?"
+
+The Guard smiled indulgently. "Talks well, Sir," he said to Dick, "but
+you can't take _that_ into the carriage with you, you know. Better put
+him in the van."
+
+[Illustration: All crowded around, anxious to catch a glimpse.]
+
+"How dare you?" said the Dodo. "You'll do nothing of the sort, I can
+tell you." And despite the protests of the Guard he strutted up the
+platform and entered a first-class carriage, followed by the children.
+
+There was no further time for argument, as the train was even now late
+in starting; so the Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag, and,
+after an answering toot from the engine, they were off.
+
+They had the carriage all to themselves, and a moment or two after
+starting Marjorie discovered that somebody had left a little illustrated
+Magazine on one of the seats.
+
+They all crowded round to look at the pictures, and presently the Dodo
+exclaimed, excitedly--
+
+"Hullo! Look here! Why, here's a situation that would just suit
+me:--'Typewriter wanted; must be quick and accurate, and of undoubted
+respectability. Hours, nine till six. Liberal salary to suitable
+person.--Apply to A. B. C., Suffolk House, Norfolk Street, Strand.' It's
+the very thing! With the liberal salary, I shall be able to take a house
+somewhere in London, and we can all live together, and have the jolliest
+larks. We'll keep a horse and trap, you know, and I'll buy you each a
+bicycle, and we'll go to the Pantomime every evening, and to Madame
+Tussaud's, and the Zoo, and the Tower of London, and Masklyne and
+Cook's, and other things every day--and--and----" he went on
+breathlessly.
+
+"But do you know how to do typewriting?" asked Dick, dubiously.
+
+"Well--er, not exactly," admitted the Dodo; "but," he added, hopefully,
+"I can soon learn, you know; and, besides, the advertisement fits me
+exactly. I'm sure I'm quick and accurate; and as for my respectability,
+look at my gloves! I'm sure any one would engage me directly they saw
+what a superior person I was."
+
+"How much do you think the salary will be?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Oh, I don't know. I suppose they'll be glad to pay me anything I like
+to ask," replied the Dodo, "and I shall be sure to ask enough, you may
+be certain of that."
+
+"But how are we to get to Norfolk Street, Strand?" persisted Marjorie.
+"We don't know where it is."
+
+"Father said, that if we were ever lost, we were to jump into a cab, and
+ask to be driven to wherever we wanted to go," suggested Dick,
+practically.
+
+[Illustration: "Kept the cabby highly amused."]
+
+"Of course," said the Dodo, "just what I intended doing." And then he
+rattled on about what he should do, and buy, when he got the situation,
+till at last the train stopped, and the Porter shouted out, "Victoria!"
+
+They all hurried out, and, disregarding the curious glances which their
+unusual appearance excited, made their way to the nearest hansom, and
+asked to be driven to Norfolk Street.
+
+There was some little difficulty at first, as to how they should all
+find room in the cab, but it was finally decided that the Dodo should
+sit on the top, while the three children managed to find room inside.
+
+The Dodo, from his elevated position, had a capital view of everything
+of interest which they passed, and kept the cabby highly amused by his
+exceedingly naïve remarks about them all; while, to every exclamation of
+surprise or derision, which met them on every side from astounded street
+boys, the remarkable bird had something droll and amusing to say in
+reply. In fact, the driver declares to this day, that he never before or
+since has had so extraordinary a fare.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE DODO OBLIGES WITH A SONG.
+
+
+"Hold hard! Stop! Here we are!" cried the Dodo, soon after they had
+reached Charing Cross. "There's A. B. C."
+
+"We haven't got to Norfolk Street yet," said the cabby.
+
+"Never mind, there's A. B. C., and that's who I want," declared the
+Dodo, scrambling down from the roof. "You stay in the cab till I come
+back," he called out to the children, smoothing his gloves and settling
+his tie as he walked towards the door.
+
+The children watched him enter, and through the glass door of the
+shop--for it was a shop into which he had gone--saw him engaged in a
+lengthy conversation with a young lady, who at first seemed afraid of
+him; but, some more ladies coming up, they closed around the bird, and
+seemed to be highly amused at something, while the Dodo grew more and
+more excited, waving his pinions about, and stamping his claws
+furiously, and finally rushing out of the shop and slamming the door too
+violently.
+
+"I never heard of such impertinence," he declared, puffing and blowing
+in his excitement, "putting up A. B. C., when they are nothing of the
+sort. They wanted to tell me that they have a right to use those
+letters, because they are the Aerated Bread Company. What rubbish! They
+might as well stick up X. Y. Z. Who's to know what's meant? Aerated
+Bread Company, indeed! It might as well have stood for Antediluvian
+Bottlewashing Company. Bah! I've no patience with such nonsense." And in
+a highly-ruffled state of mind he scrambled back to his place on the
+roof, and told the cabby to drive on to Norfolk Street.
+
+After a few minutes' ride they stopped outside a handsome building, and
+the Dodo once more alighted, and went up the steps to where a man in
+brown livery, with gilt buttons, stood by the lift.
+
+"Are you A. B. C.?" demanded the Dodo, posing in what he evidently took
+to be a dignified attitude.
+
+"N--no--second floor!" gasped the astonished attendant.
+
+"Dear me, what a bother," said the Dodo. "Just go and tell him I'm here,
+will you?" he said; "I've come about the situation, you know."
+
+"Oh!" said the man, "you'd better go up; there are several applicants
+already."
+
+"Bless me!" cried the Dodo, in alarm. "I'd better hurry then."
+
+"Will you go up in the lift--er--Sir?" asked the attendant.
+
+"What's that?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"Oh, get in, and you'll see," said the man, unceremoniously, pushing the
+bird into the lift, and getting in after him.
+
+He pulled the rope, and up they went, the Dodo sinking to the ground
+with a ridiculous sprawl as the lift ascended.
+
+"Oh! Oh! Stop!" he screamed, shrilly.
+
+But the lift went till the second floor was reached, when the attendant
+opened the door, and bundled the bird out into the passage.
+
+"Second door on the left," he called out, and, pulling the string, was
+soon out of sight again.
+
+"Good gracious!" gasped the bewildered Dodo, "I was never so bustled
+about before in all my life. But now for this A. B. C., whoever he is. I
+mustn't lose the situation if I can help it."
+
+The second door on the left was soon found, and the Dodo knocked with
+his beak.
+
+A small youth appeared, who at first seemed rather alarmed, but
+presently exploded into a half-stifled laugh. "My hat!" he exclaimed.
+"Here's a go! Why, blessed if it ain't a bird with gloves on--and a
+tie--oh! what a lark!"
+
+"No," said the Dodo, with dignity, "not a lark--your education must have
+been sadly neglected, my good boy--I'm a Dodo, or _the_ Dodo, in fact."
+
+"Well, I never!" said the boy, "if it isn't talking!"
+
+"Of course. Why not?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"Oh! oh! this is too good! What may your business be, Mr.--er--Dodo?"
+
+"I've come about the situation," said the bird, smoothing his gloves
+consequentially.
+
+The boy exploded into a fit of laughter. "Oh, come in!" he cried. "This
+is better than a circus--come in--I'll tell the Governor you're here."
+And the Dodo was ushered into a room where two or three gentlemen were
+sitting at high desks.
+
+"Who is it, Perkins?" said one of the gentlemen.
+
+"Some one about the situation, Sir," said Perkins, stuffing his
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself laughing aloud.
+
+The gentlemen all turned around and stared at the Dodo.
+
+"Why, it's a bird!" cried one.
+
+"Of course it is; what else did you expect I was?" said the Dodo. "Are
+you A. B. C.?"
+
+"No--no," stammered the man. "I'm the Head Clerk, though, and--I----"
+
+"I've no time to waste with Head Clerks," said the Dodo. "Just go and
+tell A. B. C. I'm here, will you?"
+
+"But er----"
+
+At this moment an inner door opened, and another gentleman stepped into
+the room.
+
+"Whatever is all this noise----" he began, when he caught sight of the
+Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e"]
+
+"Are you A. B. C.?" said the bird, pouncing upon him at once.
+
+"Well--really," said the gentleman, "I----"
+
+"Don't beat about the bush. Are you A. B. C., or are you not?" demanded
+the Dodo.
+
+"Yes, I am, but----"
+
+"Very well, then, I've come to take the situation, and I'll just draw my
+first week's salary at once, if you please."
+
+"But," said the gentleman, with an amused smile, "I must see some of
+your work first. Perkins, bring the typewriter!"
+
+The boy brought the instrument, and placed it on a small table.
+
+"Now, then," said the gentleman, motioning the Dodo towards it.
+
+"Oh! it's so long since I played," said the Dodo, smirking bashfully, "I
+think I have almost forgotten my notes; however, I'll try." And,
+throwing his head back, he shrieked out in a discordant voice--
+
+"_Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e_!" banging on the keys at
+the same time with both pinions.
+
+"Here! Stop! Stop!" called out the gentleman; "you'll break it! _That's_
+not the way to do typewriting."
+
+"No?" said the Dodo, innocently. "I thought it was a kind of piano. I
+was singing to you, you know."
+
+"Oh! were you?" remarked the gentleman. "Well, don't do it again,
+please. I can see you won't do for us as typewriter," he added; "but
+perhaps I can get you a good situation at the Zoological Gardens. What
+do you say to that, eh?"
+
+The Dodo, who during the first part of the speech looked very
+crestfallen, brightened up considerably.
+
+"Yes, I should think that would do," he said; "I'll just go and ask the
+others."
+
+"What others?" demanded the gentleman.
+
+And the Dodo explained about Marjorie, and Dick, and Fidge, who had been
+waiting in the cab all this time.
+
+The children were at once sent for, and the whole party were shown into
+the private room, where Marjorie and Dick related their marvelous
+adventures, as well as the continual interruptions of the Dodo would
+permit them to do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE DODO DEPARTS.
+
+
+"It seems to me," said the gentleman, kindly, when the children had
+finished the story of their adventure, and had given him their names and
+addresses, "it seems to me that the first thing to be done is to get
+some suitable clothes for you."
+
+"Oh! we never thought of that," cried Marjorie, looking down at her bare
+feet in dismay. "You see, there have been such a lot of strange things
+happening lately that we quite forgot how we all looked. Of course," she
+laughed, glancing at the others, "we must appear very funny indeed,
+dressed in this fashion."
+
+"Ah! I fancy we can soon put that right," was the kind reply. "I have
+some boys and girls of my own, you know, and I think, if I send a note
+to my wife, she will be able to find some garments that you can wear for
+the time being. And the next thing is, to let your father and mother
+know that you are here. I expect they must be very anxious about you by
+this time."
+
+[Illustration: "'Oh, Papa! Papa!' cried Marjorie."]
+
+"Dear me!" exclaimed Dick, looking greatly troubled, "that's another
+thing we never thought of, Marjorie."
+
+"I want to see my Daddy!" announced Fidge, suddenly and decidedly.
+
+But on being assured that he should soon do so he sat down with the
+others, and looked through the picture books which Perkins found for
+them, while the gentleman sent home for the clothes, and telegraphed to
+their father.
+
+In the middle of the day some luncheon was brought in for them from a
+neighboring restaurant, and soon afterwards the clothes arrived.
+
+An Eton suit for Dick, the jacket of which was just a trifle short; a
+pretty, simple dress for Marjorie; and a sailor suit for Fidge.
+
+When the children had donned these, after having had a good wash, they
+looked as different as possible; and when, a little later on, they were
+led into another room with the mysterious statement, "That somebody
+wanted to see them," they were all eagerness to know who it possibly
+could be.
+
+As soon as the door opened, however, there could be no doubt as to who
+it was, for with a delighted cry of "Oh, Papa! Papa!" Marjorie rushed
+into the arms of a gentleman standing in the middle of the room, and
+seemed half undecided whether to cry or to laugh, while Fidge and Dick
+crowded around and joined in the excitement.
+
+[Illustration: The Dodo was moved to tears.]
+
+The Dodo, who had come into the room at that moment, thought that he,
+too, ought to have a share in the welcoming, and, in grotesque imitation
+of Marjorie, he tried to jump up into the gentleman's arms, crying
+excitedly, "Oh, Papa! Papa!" just as she had done.
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed the children's father, drawing back in
+dismay, and gazing at the clumsy bird. "What on earth is this?"
+
+And then, when they tried to explain--all speaking at once--they made
+such a confusion that he was glad to put his hands to his ears, and to
+cry out that they must reserve the story till they reached home. And
+after thanking the gentleman for all his kindness, the children and
+their father said good-by, and went down to the carriage which was
+waiting at the door to drive them away.
+
+It had been decided, despite the children's pleading, that the Dodo had
+better _not_ go home with them; and so, with many promises to write and
+invite him soon, they took an affectionate farewell of their old friend;
+and the last view they had of him, as he stood at the window, meekly
+flourishing a limp glove, showed that he was moved to tears at having to
+part from them. What happened to him after the children had gone I have
+never been able quite to find out.
+
+It _is_ said that, later on in the day, a curious-looking bird was seen
+by the people in the Strand, clumsily flying away over the tops of the
+houses, clutching a roll of papers in one claw. And from away down in
+the country comes a weird story of two countrymen, walking across a
+field, being--to use their own description--"flabbergasted!" at seeing a
+great bird flying over their heads, screaming out a lot of aggravating
+personal remarks as he passed, and finally dropping, from the end of one
+of his pinions, a soiled white kid glove, the loss of which seemed to
+cause him great uneasiness; but whether--as I shrewdly suspect--this was
+the Dodo, or not, I have never actually discovered.
+
+The people at Suffolk House, including Perkins, maintain a most
+mysterious silence on the subject, and will afford me no information
+whatever; and the only consolation which I can find, in my endeavors to
+ascertain whether these things really happened or not, is the fact
+that, on the island of the lake at the Crystal Palace, _all the curious
+animals which the Ambassador is said to have turned into stone, are
+really there_--you may see them for yourself--and I hope, when next you
+go to Sydenham, you will hunt them up. And if so, you will notice--what
+struck me as being a very conclusive proof of the truth of the
+narrative--that the Palæotherium's tail really looks as if it were
+broken off, about four or five inches from the end; and decidedly as
+though he _might_ have worn a false one while he was alive.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Joe's Luck: A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+  situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and
+  the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike
+  Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck"
+  is certainly one of his best.
+
+Tom the Bootblack; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+  ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+  himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+  Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.
+  The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the Bootblack, came into a
+  comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
+
+Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+  Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+  pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of
+  New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the
+  Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the
+  house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the
+  little heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good
+  qualities that she adopts him as her heir.
+
+Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By Horatio Alger,
+Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+  Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and
+  gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large
+  estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down
+  a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him,
+  and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is
+  prosperous. A very entertaining book.
+
+The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
+  country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named
+  Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent
+  troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of
+  errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
+
+Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+  Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village
+  to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
+  California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling
+  that the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall
+  have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating
+  style.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+  himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+  situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+  wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter
+  helps the lad to gain success and fortune.
+
+Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+  Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+  mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+  Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+  overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+  told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so
+  many homes.
+
+The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+  Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother
+  and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+  Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+  young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+  is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+  takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+  well started on the road to business prominence.
+
+Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+  won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+  difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+  regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.
+
+A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West. By
+Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+  disappointments which he passed through before he attained success,
+  will interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this
+  delightful author.
+
+Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+  and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+  are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr.
+  Alger's most fascinating style.
+
+The Castaways; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+  leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+  coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+  her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+  leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake
+  the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
+  people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Wrecked on Spider Island; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+  livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there
+  discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable
+  amount of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of
+  the voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the
+  most captious boy could desire.
+
+The Search for the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+  Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+  then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+  wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the
+  help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images
+  from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape
+  is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+  incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+  realism of the narrative.
+
+A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide
+  shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself
+  afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-
+  back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious
+  document which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are
+  stranded on an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The
+  boys are sure to be fascinated with this entertaining story.
+
+The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By James Otis.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+  indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+  boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+  golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+  difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+  doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+  Treasure Finders."
+
+Jack, the Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine. By James Otis. Price
+$1.00.
+
+  This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth,
+  on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.
+  From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It
+  bears us along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but
+  never loses its force.
+
+With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.
+
+  Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+  frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British
+  occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life
+  skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are
+  given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without
+  considerable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as
+  are all of Mr. Otis' works.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,
+illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial
+  Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+  incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+  excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar
+  with, and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays
+  and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will
+  remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized from
+  textbooks has been forgotten.
+
+At the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's
+  history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the
+  assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.
+  Israel Putnam.
+
+  The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+  telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas
+  Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent,
+  necessarily, in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable
+  stories founded on historical facts.
+
+The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By James
+Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+  thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+  founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+  recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as
+  can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and
+  his gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their
+  sacrifice of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young
+  readers.
+
+The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.
+
+  "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+  Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General
+  Washington's person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot
+  cause. They do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way
+  for an American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the
+  work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to require any particular
+  commendation to the young."--Evening Post.
+
+With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of Boston. By James
+Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after
+  the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life
+  in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,
+  shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle
+  of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three
+  heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the
+  enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will
+  like to read."--Detroit Free Press.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+With the Swamp Fox. The Story of General Marion's Spies. By James Otis.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+  Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave men
+  and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+  the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever
+  present in the mind of the reader.
+
+On the Kentucky Frontier. A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the West.
+By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+  In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than
+  that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of
+  frontiersmen. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from
+  the arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia
+  was captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history
+  which is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story
+  teller. This is one of the most entertaining books for young people
+  which has been published.
+
+Sarah Dillard's Ride. A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+  of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's
+  troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+  which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+  adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought
+  out as an incident of the plot."--Boston Journal.
+
+A Tory Plot. A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+  plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or
+  murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and
+  are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter.
+  They do so, and meet with many adventures and hairbreadth escapes. The
+  boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to
+  put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one
+  phase of the Revolution."--Pittsburgh Times.
+
+A Traitor's Escape. A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,
+  bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early
+  settlers in this country. In an historical work dealing with this
+  country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this one,
+  which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict Arnold's
+  escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of Sir Henry
+  Clinton. All those who actually figured in the arrest of the traitor,
+  as well as Gen. Washington, are included as characters."--Albany
+  Union.
+
+A Cruise with Paul Jones. A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when
+  he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+  strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+  upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous
+  battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+  taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular
+  cruise was begun."--Chicago Inter-Ocean.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Corporal Lige's Recruit. A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+  old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and
+  who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad
+  acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the
+  continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+  which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+  Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical
+  names appear in this dramatic tale."--Boston Globe.
+
+Morgan, the Jersey Spy. A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details
+  of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived
+  on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his
+  dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit
+  Yorktown, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan
+  risks his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter
+  with a squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the
+  bullets of friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this
+  volume one of the most entertaining books of the year."--Inter-Ocean.
+
+The Young Scout: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By Edward S.
+Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+  terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+  tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
+  The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+  Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+  chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly
+  escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of
+  Indian stories now before the public.
+
+Adrift in the Wilds: The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By Edward
+S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+  the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+  shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+  from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+  rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.
+
+A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from
+  the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred
+  Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves
+  and have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he
+  succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The
+  story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be
+  glad to read this delightful book.
+
+Lost in the Rockies. A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+  Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and
+  at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+  breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+  in the Rockies and among the Indians.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 53-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+A Jaunt Through Java: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+  cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+  Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+  Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+  with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+  lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.
+
+The Boy Patriot. A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+  pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+  always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+  manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+  description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story."
+  --Journal of Education.
+
+A Yankee Lad's Pluck. How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in Porto
+Rico. By Wm. P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+  is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst
+  the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This
+  will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this
+  season."--Gazette.
+
+A Brave Defense. A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during
+  the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights,
+  Conn., in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster
+  rolls, either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort
+  Griswold on the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who
+  follows Halsey Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their
+  equally brave comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be
+  learning something more than historical facts; they will be imbibing
+  lessons of fidelity, of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which
+  must prove serviceable in the arena of life.
+
+The Young Minuteman. A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in 1777.
+By William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the
+  British occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and
+  William Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong
+  one, dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of
+  thrilling adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain
+  the book will find not only that his historical knowledge is
+  increased, but that his own patriotism and love of country are
+  deepened.
+
+For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. Henty. With
+illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+  "Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance
+  to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of
+  the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."--
+  Graphic.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Roy Gilbert's Search: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By Wm. P. Chipman.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges
+  with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam
+  launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.
+  Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a
+  sinking yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The
+  hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed
+  with interest.
+
+The Slate Picker: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By Harry
+Prentice. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+  Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+  advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+  position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a
+  book of extreme interest to every boy reader.
+
+The Boy Cruisers; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. George Rathborne.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+  coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with
+  a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in
+  the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and
+  Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr.
+  Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are in
+  search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.
+
+Captured by Zulus: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By Harry Prentice.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+  Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+  Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The
+  lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.
+  They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice
+  tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their
+  native stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining
+  reading.
+
+Tom the Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph Hill. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+  ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and
+  the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+  purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+  to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+  the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.
+
+Captain Kidd's Gold: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+James Franklin Fitts. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
+  of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy
+  Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes.
+  There were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt.
+  Kidd. Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a
+  considerable treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this
+  book is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England
+  ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island and secure the money
+  form one of the most absorbing tales for our youth that has come from
+  the press.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***
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+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dick, Marjorie and Fidge, by G. E. Farrow</title>
+  <style type="text/css">
+    /*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dick, Marjorie and Fidge, by G. E. Farrow,
+Illustrated by Allan Wright</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Dick, Marjorie and Fidge</p>
+<p>       A Search for the Wonderful Dodo</p>
+<p>Author: G. E. Farrow</p>
+<p>Release Date: November 18, 2007  [eBook #23541]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3 class="pg">E-text prepared by Roger Frank<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:356px">
+<a name="illus-000" id="illus-000"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00001.jpg" alt="The skipper found the poor bird looking the picture of misery. &#34;Hope you&#39;re feeling better, sir,&#34; he said,&mdash;Page 132. Dick, Marjorie and Fidge" title="" width="356" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The skipper found the poor bird looking the picture of misery.<br />&#8220;Hope you&#39;re feeling better, sir,&#8221;; he said.&mdash;Page&nbsp;132. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Dick,&nbsp;Marjorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fidge</i></span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<table style="margin: auto; border: black 1px solid; width:25em" summary=""><tr><td>
+<p style=" font-size:2.2em; margin-top:1em;">Dick, Marjorie</p>
+<p style=" font-size:2.2em; margin-bottom:1em;">and Fidge</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.2em; margin-bottom:2em;">A Search for the Wonderful Dodo</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.4em; margin-bottom:2em;">By G. E. FARROW</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.0em; margin-bottom:2em;">Author of Adventures in Wallypug Land</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.9em;">WITH MANY ILLUSTRATIONS</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.9em; margin-bottom:2em;">BY ALLAN WRIGHT</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.0em;">A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER,</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.0em; margin-bottom:2em;">52-58 DUANE STREET, NEW YORK</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<p style="font-size:x-small; margin: auto; margin-top:1em; text-align: center;">
+<a href="images/img-00002.png">LINK TO TITLE PAGE IMAGE</a>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To my Dear Little Friends</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Here is another book! I hope it will be as fortunate in pleasing you, as
+the others seem to have been, if I may judge from the many kind and
+gratifying letters which have reached me from boys and girls, of all
+ages and sizes, and from all parts of the world.</p>
+
+<p>And in connection with these letters, which I always try (though the
+pleasurable task grows heavier year by year) to answer myself, I have
+had the misfortune to lose a large packet of unanswered ones; so if any
+of my little correspondents have written to me during the past year, and
+have not received a reply, will he or she write to me again, and give me
+an opportunity of repairing the omission?</p>
+
+<p>I am getting quite proud of my gallery of photographs, which my little
+friends have sent me, and which, I think, please me almost more than
+anything else, if I may except a beautiful Persian kitten which has
+come as a present from a little girl at Hereford, and which is a prime
+favorite with every one here, including Dick, my little terrier,
+who&mdash;although he ought to know better at his age, being over
+eight&mdash;&#8220;galumphs&#8221; about in an absurdly clumsy manner, under the mistaken
+impression that he is playing with it. He only succeeds, however, in
+making himself ridiculous in the eyes of the kitten, who, despite his
+years, treats him with little or no respect, and does not hesitate to
+box his ears, and bite his tail whenever it feels so disposed.</p>
+
+<p>But I see my space is nearly exhausted, so must conclude, with very best
+wishes, and hoping to hear again from all of my old friends, and as many
+new ones as care to write.</p>
+
+<p style="text-align:right; margin: 1em 16em 0 0">Believe me,</p>
+<p style="text-align:right; margin: 0 8em 0 0">Your affectionate friend,</p>
+<p style="text-align:right; margin: 0 2em 2em 0">THE AUTHOR.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<h2 class="toc"><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h2>
+<table border="0" width="500" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+<col style="width:15%;" />
+<col style="width:5%;"  />
+<col style="width:70%;" />
+<col style="width:10%;" />
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">I.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Beginning of a Marvelous Journey.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_BEGINNING_OF_A_MARVELOUS_JOURNEY_163">1</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">II.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Ambassador Extraordinary.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_AMBASSADOR_EXTRAORDINARY_377">12</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">III.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Sage in the Onion Field.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_SAGE_IN_THE_ONION_FIELD_640">24</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">IV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">Stories and Tails By the Sage.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#STORIES_AND_TAILS_BY_THE_SAGE_883">35</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">V.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The King of the Fishes.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_KING_OF_THE_FISHES_1153">47</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">VI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">In the King&#8217;s Presence.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#IN_THE_KINGS_PRESENCE_1399">59</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">VII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Human Race.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_HUMAN_RACE_1568">68</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">VIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Dodo At Last.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_DODO_AT_LAST_1803">80</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">IX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">At the North Pole.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#AT_THE_NORTH_POLE_2042">92</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">X.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">Some New Acquaintances.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#SOME_NEW_ACQUAINTANCES_2263">102</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Skipper of the Argonaut.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_SKIPPER_OF_THE_ARGONAUT_2479">113</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Arch&aelig;opteryx.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_ARCHAEligOPTERYX_2717">125</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Little Panjandrum&#8217;s Balloon.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUMS_BALLOON_2947">135</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XIV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Duff and Dem Executioner.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_DUFF_AND_DEM_EXECUTIONER_3159">145</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Execution of the Dodo.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_EXECUTION_OF_THE_DODO_3381">155</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XVI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Prehistoric Doctor.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_PREHISTORIC_DOCTOR_3589">165</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XVII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">Waiting For the Train.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#WAITING_FOR_THE_TRAIN_3779">175</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XVIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">A Night in the Train.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#A_NIGHT_IN_THE_TRAIN_3984">185</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XIX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">At the Crystal Palace.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#AT_THE_CRYSTAL_PALACE_4204">195</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">A Difficulty with the Roundabout.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#A_DIFFICULTY_WITH_THE_ROUNDABOUT_4402">206</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Little Panjandrum At Last.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUM_AT_LAST_4622">217</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">Turned to Stone.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#TURNED_TO_STONE_4843">228</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Dodo&#8217;s Little Ruse.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_DODOS_LITTLE_RUSE_4987">236</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXIV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">First Class to London.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#FIRST_CLASS_TO_LONDON_5160">245</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Dodo Obliges with a Song.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_DODO_OBLIGES_WITH_A_SONG_5346">255</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td class="tdright">XXVI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td class="tdleft">The Dodo Departs.</td>
+  <td class="tdright"><a href="#THE_DODO_DEPARTS_5531">263</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:371px; margin-top:50px;">
+<a name="illus-001" id="illus-001"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00008.jpg" alt="" title="" width="371" /><br />
+</div>
+
+<h1>DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE.</h1>
+
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_1" id="pg_1">1</a></span>
+<a name="THE_BEGINNING_OF_A_MARVELOUS_JOURNEY_163" id="THE_BEGINNING_OF_A_MARVELOUS_JOURNEY_163"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+<h3>THE BEGINNING OF A MARVELOUS JOURNEY.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dick! Dick! Wake up, I want to tell you something.&#8221; Marjorie stood
+outside the boy&#8217;s bedroom door, and called in as loud a whisper as she
+dared, fearing lest she should awaken the rest of the household. There
+was a scuffle and a patter of bare feet inside, and Dick appeared at the
+door rubbing his eyes, evidently only half awake.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush! don&#8217;t make a noise. There&#8217;s such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_2" id="pg_2">2</a></span> funny sound down-stairs&mdash;I
+believe it&#8217;s burglars. Listen!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh! this time in the morning. What nonsense.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well it&#8217;s been going on for ever so long, anyhow, and hark, there&#8217;s
+something keeps banging about like anything in the breakfast-room.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dick ran to the top of the stairs and listened. Sure enough, there was a
+most mysterious noise going on below,&mdash;a dull banging at regular
+intervals, and a curious lapping sound, as though there was water in the
+lower part of the house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s go and see what&#8217;s up!&#8221; said Dick promptly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Me too,&#8221; said a shrill treble voice, and a little curly-headed
+apparition came running out of the bedroom, flourishing a wooden spade.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No! you cut along into bed again, Fidge,&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Want to go and see the bur-ge-lers!&#8221; declared Fidge, pushing past them,
+and racing down the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come back, you scamp,&#8221; cried Dick, running<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_3" id="pg_3">3</a></span> after him; but with a saucy
+and defiant laugh Fidge sped down to the first landing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ooh!&#8221; he cried, looking over the banisters, &#8220;It&#8217;s all drownded; look,
+Dick! quick!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dick and Marjorie hurried down and leaned over the banisters too.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo! what a lark!&#8221; exclaimed Dick. &#8220;There&#8217;s been a high tide, and the
+house is flooded. Come on, this is ripping!&#8221; and the boy dashed
+down-stairs, followed by the others.</p>
+
+<p>The breakfast-room door stood open, and, wading ankle deep in water, the
+children soon reached it. An extraordinary sight met their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The French windows were open, and the curtains were blowing about in the
+breeze, while the sea had risen so high that the white-capped waves were
+flowing quite into the room, in which the utmost confusion prevailed.
+Chairs and various light articles were strewn about in all directions,
+and the table, by some mysterious process, had been turned completely
+over, and was floating about with its legs sticking up in the air. It
+was evidently the noise which<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_4" id="pg_4">4</a></span> that had made, dashing against the door,
+which had awakened Marjorie.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:331px">
+<a name="illus-002" id="illus-002"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00011.jpg" alt="&#34;The waves were flowing into the room.&#34;" title="" width="331" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The waves were flowing into the room.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The children stood silently regarding it for a moment, and then Fidge,
+with a delighted exclamation cried, &#8220;I want a ride in the boat,&#8221; and
+began to scramble into the overturned table.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_5" id="pg_5">5</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! yes, jolly!&#8221; cried Dick, following his example; and in a moment all
+three children were comfortably ensconced in the novel craft.</p>
+
+<p>Dick found a stick floating about, which he used as a punting pole, and
+soon had the table through the window and out into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll be captain,&#8221; he cried, &#8220;and you and Fidge shall be passengers,
+Sis.&#8221; The drawer of the table turned upside down made a capital upper
+deck, and Marjorie settled herself very comfortably upon it, after Dick
+had rigged up what he was pleased to call an awning with a little
+table-cloth, and a piece of string which he had in the pocket of his
+pyjamas.</p>
+
+<p>Fidge, however, had no idea of remaining inactive, and insisted upon
+taking a part in the management of the craft, and so Dick made him the
+&#8220;Bosun,&#8221; and set him to work rowing with his little wooden spade.</p>
+
+<p>Out in the garden the water became deeper, and Captain Dick&#8217;s pole would
+not reach the bottom; still, owing to some mysterious influence, their
+curious boat drifted merrily on, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_6" id="pg_6">6</a></span> the children did not puzzle
+themselves in the least as to the cause of their progress. It was quite
+enough for them to notice how strange and unnatural the gardens and all
+the familiar surroundings appeared in their present inundated state. The
+rosebushes and hedges looked so funny, growing out of the water, and
+there were such a lot of curious things floating about&mdash;a hen-coop, a
+wash-tub, and an old hamper had hurried past; and their boat had drifted
+as far as the gate leading out into the roadway, when Marjorie jumped up
+and pointed excitedly to something floating rapidly towards them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look! Dick, look! there&#8217;s an old turkey on a chair coming along.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As the object drew nearer, however, they could see that it was not a
+turkey, or, indeed, any bird with which they were familiar, but a most
+curious-looking creature. It had an oddly-shaped beak, webbed feet, and
+a funny great tuft of feathers for a tail.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, the thing has gloves on!&#8221; cried Captain Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_7" id="pg_7">7</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And a blue bow around its neck,&#8221; chimed in Fidge, his eyes dancing with
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ship ahoy!&#8221; shouted the bird, as it came close up to the table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious! Why it can talk,&#8221; said Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Talk! Of course I can,&#8221; answered the bird. &#8220;Why not, pray?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, birds don&#8217;t generally talk, except parrots,&#8221; added Marjorie, as
+an afterthought.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Parrots!&#8221; exclaimed the bird, stamping furiously on the seat of the
+chair; &#8220;I hate &#8217;em&mdash;nasty, showy, pretentious, ill-bred creatures;
+regular shrieking hypocrites, that&#8217;s what I call &#8217;em.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What sort of a bird are you, then?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m a Dodo,&#8221; said the creature, with a consequential air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! then you are extinct,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;I read it in a natural history
+book.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I am,&#8221; admitted the Dodo. &#8220;It&#8217;s lovely being extinct,&#8221; he added,
+complacently. &#8220;Have you ever tried it?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_8" id="pg_8">8</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious, no,&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What does it mean, Dick, dear?&#8221; whispered Marjorie, who didn&#8217;t like to
+appear ignorant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gone out, I think,&#8221; explained Dick. &#8220;Anyhow, they say a volcano is
+extinct when it has gone out.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, that&#8217;s quite right,&#8221; explained the Dodo, with a wink. &#8220;Haven&#8217;t you
+ever heard the vulgar expression, &#8216;Does your mother know you&#8217;re out?&#8217;
+Well, where I come from, we just say, &#8216;Is your maternal relative aware
+of your extinction?&#8217; instead. It&#8217;s the same thing, you know, and sounds
+ever so much better. Then, again, it&#8217;s most convenient, if any one calls
+whom you don&#8217;t wish to see, just to tell the servants to say that you
+are extinct, and there is an end of the matter. But I mustn&#8217;t stop all
+day, I must be off to sea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you going to sea on that chair?&#8221; cried Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, it&#8217;s as good as a table anyhow, as far as I can see,&#8221; laughed the
+Dodo. &#8220;Yes, I&#8217;ve an appointment with an Ichthyosaurus at the Equator at
+noon, so I must be off. Good-by. Oh! while<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_9" id="pg_9">9</a></span> I think of it, though, if
+you <i>do</i> come across him, you might give him my love, and tell him that
+I&#8217;m extinct, will you please? Ha&mdash;ha&mdash;he will be amused!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who do you mean?&#8221; called out Dick, as the Dodo floated away on his
+chair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The little Panjandrum,&#8221; was the reply; &#8220;you are pretty sure to meet him
+sooner or later.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we&#8217;re going to see the Pan&mdash;jan&mdash;de&mdash;lum,&#8221; announced Fidge,
+capering about in glee. &#8220;Hooray!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the table had drifted on till the house was quite out of
+sight, and had reached the base of the cliffs, where the smugglers&#8217; cave
+was. The children had been there ever so many times before, and knew of
+a little gap in the rocks where, if only their boat would drift near
+enough, they could land, and clamber up to the roadway again. The boat,
+however, passed the gap, and drifted straight underneath the cave, from
+whence came a confused babel of sounds.</p>
+
+<p>The children looked up, and a moment afterwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_10" id="pg_10">10</a></span> a crowd of the funniest
+little people imaginable came to the edge and peered over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What rum little beggars!&#8221; cried Dick. &#8220;Just look at their eyes!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do believe they are Brownies, or else Gnomes!&#8221; declared Marjorie, who
+had read a great many fairy stories.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense!&#8221; said Dick, with a superior air; &#8220;there are no such things
+now-a-days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:224px">
+<a name="illus-003" id="illus-003"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00017.jpg" alt="&#34;A rope ladder was let down.&#34;" title="" width="224" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;A rope ladder was let down.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who says so?&#8221; shrieked the little people<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_11" id="pg_11">11</a></span> from the cave. &#8220;Come up here,
+and we&#8217;ll soon show you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, do!&#8221; cried Marjorie, clapping her hands; &#8220;I should love to see
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see how we are going to get up there,&#8221; said Dick, dubiously;
+&#8220;we haven&#8217;t got a ladder.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have one,&#8221; shouted the little people. &#8220;Shall we let it down?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, please,&#8221; clamored Marjorie, and immediately afterwards a rope
+ladder was let down, and one or two of the little men hung over the
+ledge to steady it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come along,&#8221; cried Marjorie, leading the way, while Fidge followed
+next, repeating over and over, with a delighted chuckle, &#8220;We are going
+to see the Pan&mdash;jan&mdash;de&mdash;lum! We are going to see the
+Pan&mdash;jan&mdash;de&mdash;lum!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_12" id="pg_12">12</a></span>
+<a name="THE_AMBASSADOR_EXTRAORDINARY_377" id="THE_AMBASSADOR_EXTRAORDINARY_377"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+<h3>THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>At the top of the ladder the children found themselves in the midst of a
+crowd of curious little pigmies, dressed in all sorts of quaint and
+fantastic costumes.</p>
+
+<p>They were the oddest little creatures that you can possibly imagine,
+with eyes and ears that seemed to be too big for their heads, and tiny
+little spindle legs that looked quite incapable of supporting their big
+bodies.</p>
+
+<p>They spoke in a shrill, clear, bell-like voice, which, although they
+were such tiny creatures, could be heard distinctly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you don&#8217;t believe in fairies, eh!&#8221; they cried, clustering about the
+children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do,&#8221; declared Marjorie, stoutly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, and me do, too,&#8221; said Fidge, looking about him delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; objected Dick, &#8220;I&#8217;ve always been told that fairies, and elves,
+and gnomes, and things<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_13" id="pg_13">13</a></span> of that sort were merely myths, and existed only
+in the imagination of story-tellers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&mdash;he&mdash;he,&#8221; giggled the little people. &#8220;The same old story. They told
+you that to hide their ignorance, my child.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m thirteen years old,&#8221; declared Dick, haughtily, for he did not at
+all approve of being called a child.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, are you indeed!&#8221; was the reply, amid shouts of laughter. &#8220;I suppose
+you think yourself quite a man, and are consequently too old to believe
+in the fairies, who are more than thirteen thousand years old.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know you used to believe in them, Dick,&#8221; interposed Marjorie.
+&#8220;Don&#8217;t you remember how we used to enjoy that lovely fairy book Aunt May
+gave us, and dear old &#8216;Alice in Wonderland,&#8217; and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was years ago,&#8221; interrupted Dick, turning very red. &#8220;I&#8217;ve had it
+all explained to me since that, and I don&#8217;t read those kind of books
+now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you read Shakespeare?&#8221; demanded one of the little folks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_14" id="pg_14">14</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some of it,&#8221; replied Dick, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you ever read &#8126;Midsummer Night&#8217;s Dream?&#8127;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes! Jolly! Titania, and Oberon, and Puck, and all that lot, you
+know; and the jolly little chaps that&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo! I thought you didn&#8217;t believe in fairies,&#8221; interrupted some one.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, well, that&#8217;s different, you know; that&#8217;s Shakespeare, and&mdash;and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what? I suppose you&#8217;ll admit that he believed in them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I suppose so,&#8221; said Dick, grudgingly; &#8220;but I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you imagine yourself to be cleverer than Shakespeare.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ha&mdash;ha&mdash;ha!&#8221; laughed a chorus of little people, derisively.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here! I&#8217;ll tell you what it is,&#8221; said the first speaker, &#8220;you have
+evidently been taught by some of those wise old know-nothings, who have
+succeeded in making you as clever as themselves, and it is our intention
+to show you how ignorant you all are. I think you will believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_15" id="pg_15">15</a></span> in
+fairies before we have done with you. Now, we are gnomes, and have just
+completed a subterranean passage between here and the land of the little
+Panjandrum.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:264px">
+<a name="illus-004" id="illus-004"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00022.jpg" alt="&#34;Four extraordinary figures came in sight.&#34;" title="" width="264" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Four extraordinary figures came in sight.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The word <i>little</i> was spoken so softly as to be quite indistinct. &#8220;The
+what!&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sh! the <i>little</i> Panjandrum,&#8221; said the gnome, speaking the word almost
+inaudibly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_16" id="pg_16">16</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you say it like that for?&#8221; asked the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you see, his Magnificence and Serene Importance is somewhat
+sensitive on the subject; there is the <span class="smcap">Grand</span> Panjandrum, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I see,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;and the other chap doesn&#8217;t like to take a back
+seat, that&#8217;s it, is it? Well, who is the Little Panjandrum, anyhow?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sh! sh!&#8221; cried the gnomes, looking about them nervously. &#8220;You really
+mustn&#8217;t say <i>little</i> as loudly as that. Supposing any one heard you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what if they did?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;O! His Serene Importance would be terribly angry, and perhaps
+would&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>What the conclusion of the sentence was to have been the children never
+knew, for at that moment there was a loud clattering noise in the
+passage leading from the cave, and a moment afterwards four
+extraordinary figures came in sight.</p>
+
+<p>They were mounted upon ostriches, and one of them, more richly
+caparisoned than the others, had a kind of canopy attached to his
+trappings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_17" id="pg_17">17</a></span> beneath which sat a stern-faced little man with an elaborate
+turban and head-dress. He wore also a very curious collar, from which
+depended a large gold ornament of curious design. He carried in one hand
+a long pipe, and with the other guided his strange steed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:308px">
+<a name="illus-005" id="illus-005"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00024.jpg" alt="&#34;What do you know about the Dodo?&#34;" title="" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;What do you know about the Dodo?&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The others of the party, who were evidently his attendants, each carried
+a banner emblazoned with mysterious signs and characters.</p>
+
+<p>The silver bells attached to the head of the ostrich, and on the top of
+the canopy over<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_18" id="pg_18">18</a></span> the grandee, tinkled merrily as he came forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the name of the little Panjandrum,&#8221; he shouted, in a loud voice, and
+immediately all the gnomes bowed respectfully almost down to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His Serene Importance and Most Magnificent Greatness is grievously
+distressed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gnomes all brought forth little pocket-handkerchiefs, and began to
+cry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Dodo presented to His Worshipful Gorgeousness by the <span class="smcap">Grand
+Panjandrum</span> himself has escaped!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gnomes all threw up their hands in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, we saw it,&#8221; cried Marjorie, excitedly. &#8220;Didn&#8217;t we, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little man on the ostrich turned around sharply, and after staring
+at the children for a moment, shouted&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am Dick Verrinder, sir, and this is my sister Marjorie, and our
+little brother Fidge,&#8221; said Dick politely. &#8220;We are spending our summer<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_19" id="pg_19">19</a></span>
+holiday at Mrs. Lawrence&#8217;s cottage on the other side of the cliff. The
+tide rose very high this morning, and we&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t tell me all that nonsense. What do you know about the Dodo?&#8221; said
+the little man, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, we met it floating about on a chair, and it told us that it was
+going to the Equator to meet a&mdash;a&mdash;er&mdash;a&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was something with a very long name,&#8221; stammered Dick; &#8220;I can&#8217;t quite
+remember what.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here,&#8221; said the little man, bending forward excitedly, &#8220;that story
+won&#8217;t do for me. I am the Ambassador Extraordinary of his Magnificence
+the little Panjandrum, and you tell me that you have seen the Dodo; that
+is enough. Now then! Where is it? It&#8217;s no use telling me that it has
+gone off to keep an appointment with something with a long name. I say,
+where is the bird? If you don&#8217;t instantly produce that Dodo I shall take
+you before the Court of Inquisitives, and let them deal with you.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_20" id="pg_20">20</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I tell you,&#8221; began Dick, while Marjorie clung to his arm in
+affright, and Fidge scowled angrily at hearing his idolized big brother
+spoken to in this peremptory manner, &#8220;I tell you that we only saw it for
+a&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s quite enough. Don&#8217;t argue the point. I shall give you one week
+from now, and if at the end of that time you do not appear at the Palace
+of the little Panjandrum with the Dodo, I shall apply to the <span class="smcap">Grand
+Panjandrum</span> himself to have you subtransexdistricated, so there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not another word. Ink! Paper! Pens!&#8221; he commanded, getting off his
+ostrich and squatting down before a flat stone, while the little gnomes
+ran hither and thither, getting in each other&#8217;s way, and tripping and
+stumbling about in all directions in their eagerness to do the
+Ambassador&#8217;s bidding.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down!&#8221; he ordered, and the children sat down on the ground in front
+of him. There was a slight difficulty about the ink at this point, for
+the gnomes, not being quite strong enough to carry the inkstand, turned
+it over on<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_21" id="pg_21">21</a></span> its side to roll it forward, and of course spilled all the
+ink. They managed, however, to gather up some of it in their caps, and
+so kept the Ambassador supplied.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:183px">
+<a name="illus-006" id="illus-006"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00028.jpg" alt="&#34;Dick suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet.&#34;" title="" width="183" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Dick suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then! Know all men by these presents,&#8221; he began, writing the words
+down as he spake them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s going to give us some presents,&#8221; whispered Fidge, giving Dick a
+nudge. Dick shook his head reprovingly, and the little man continued&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That whereas three children, named respectively&mdash;what did you say your
+name was?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Richard Greville Verrinder, Sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Richard Greville Verrinder, and&mdash;what&#8217;s your sister&#8217;s name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_22" id="pg_22">22</a></span>&#8220;Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder, and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Harold Ellis Verrinder,&#8221; prompted Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired the Ambassador, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My little brother,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You said his name was Fidge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, but that&#8217;s his nickname, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know anything of the sort. Now then, just keep quiet while I
+finish this document. There,&#8221; he continued, when he had finished writing
+some mysterious-looking words on the paper, and had attached two
+enormous red seals to it&mdash;&#8220;that&#8217;s your warrant for arresting the Dodo,
+when you have found him; and it is also an authority from the little
+Panjandrum for you at any time to become any size that you wish; to
+float through the air at will; and to live under water if necessary. So
+you have everything in your favor, and I shall expect the Dodo back in
+less than a week. Do you hear? Now I&#8217;m off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little man mounted his ostrich, and without<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_23" id="pg_23">23</a></span> saying a word more to
+any one, he and his followers rode off in the direction from whence they
+had come.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I never!&#8221; said Dick, picking up the scrawl which had fallen at
+his feet. &#8220;Here&#8217;s a go! We&#8217;ve got to find that beastly old Dodo in less
+than a week, or be&mdash;what was it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said Marjorie, dolefully, &#8220;it was something very long,
+and sounded dreadful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what&#8217;s that he said about our being able to be any size that we
+wished? I&#8217;m sure I wish I was as tall as father.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Me, too,&#8221; said Fidge, emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I should love to float about in the air, I&#8217;m sure!&#8221; declared
+Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely out of her mouth when she felt herself wafted
+gently off her feet, while at the same moment Dick, to Fidge&#8217;s intense
+surprise, suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet, and looked so
+very ridiculous, that all three of them burst out into an uncontrollable
+fit of laughter.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_24" id="pg_24">24</a></span>
+<a name="THE_SAGE_IN_THE_ONION_FIELD_640" id="THE_SAGE_IN_THE_ONION_FIELD_640"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+<h3>THE SAGE IN THE ONION FIELD.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;How absurd,&#8221; laughed Dick, as he looked down from the&mdash;to him&mdash;enormous
+height of six feet. &#8220;What a thin, lanky-looking creature, I am, to be
+sure&mdash;and Fidge, too; he looks perfectly ridiculous&#8221;&mdash;for Fidge, also,
+was growing amazingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How did it happen, Dick, dear?&#8221; asked Marjorie, in an awe-stricken
+voice. &#8220;It seems so funny to be up here in the air, and yet I don&#8217;t feel
+in the least frightened, do you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course not,&#8221; said Dick, contemptuously. &#8220;Why, we just said we wished
+to be as tall as the Pater, you know, and it happened.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes; and I said I should like to float in the air. I suppose we can
+always do what we want to now&mdash;how lovely! Like the &#8221;Arabian Nights,&#8221;
+isn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to be thin, like a walking-stick,&#8221; said Fidge, in a
+dissatisfied voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_25" id="pg_25">25</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, it&#8217;s rather horrid,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Let&#8217;s see; we said as tall as the
+Pater, didn&#8217;t we?&mdash;not as <i>big</i>. I wonder if that makes any difference.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to be as fat as old Mrs. Mofflet,&#8221; said Fidge, mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>The words were no sooner out of his mouth than he dwindled down to his
+usual height, and spread out in girth till he exactly resembled, in
+appearance, what one looks like in a concave mirror&mdash;that is, he was
+about twice as wide as he was high.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, dear! Oh, dear! That&#8217;s worse than ever!&#8221; laughed the children,
+while little Fidge waddled about in an absurd way.</p>
+
+<p>The gnomes were highly amused, and cut the most extraordinary antics in
+their glee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think perhaps the best thing to do for the present would be to wish
+ourselves as we were,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;I have no doubt it will be very
+useful by and by to be any size we like, but just now it&#8217;s rather
+awkward.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, let&#8217;s be little, like the gnomes,&#8221; cried Marjorie. &#8220;It will be such
+fun.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_26" id="pg_26">26</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; acquiesced Dick; &#8220;here goes&mdash;I wish I were as little as the
+gnomes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So do I,&#8221; cried Marjorie.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:365px">
+<a name="illus-007" id="illus-007"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00033.jpg" alt="&#34;He was about twice as wide as he was high.&#34;" title="" width="365" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;He was about twice as wide as he was high.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Me, too!&#8221; cried Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>To their great surprise, nothing happened. They waited a moment or two,
+staring at each<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_27" id="pg_27">27</a></span> other expectantly, and then Marjorie cried in a
+troubled voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, dear! I don&#8217;t believe it&#8217;s going to work, and we shall have to stay
+like this forever.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What nonsense!&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say! I want to be as small as the gnomes,&#8221; he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>There was no result, however, and the children remained as they were.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I know,&#8221; he cried; &#8220;I ought to have the paper that the Ambassador
+gave me in my hand. Where is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a great whispering amongst the gnomes, and at last one of them
+shouted out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve taken it away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What for?&#8221; demanded Dick. &#8220;It was given to us; you had better give it
+up at once. What do you mean by it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was another whispered consultation, and then one of the gnomes
+said, &#8220;Let them have it for now,&#8221; and the paper was put down upon the
+ground at Dick&#8217;s feet.</p>
+
+<p>Dick stooped down and picked it up, and immediately the children began
+to dwindle down<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_28" id="pg_28">28</a></span> till they became as small as the little people
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They had no sooner done so than the paper which the Ambassador had given
+them was suddenly snatched from Dick&#8217;s hand and a number of the gnomes
+surrounded them, dancing about, turning somersaults, playing leap-frog,
+and capering about in the maddest way.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you&#8217;ve done it now,&#8221; said one of them, tauntingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; inquired Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, we&#8217;ve got the paper, and you can&#8217;t grow any bigger until we allow
+you to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a mean trick!&#8221; cried Dick, in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we don&#8217;t think it at all fair,&#8221; said the gnomes, &#8220;that you should
+be able to grow any size that you want to, while we have to keep little,
+so we are going to keep you here for a little while, and teach you to
+believe in fairies, do you see?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we&#8217;ve got to find the Dodo in a week,&#8221; expostulated Dick, &#8220;and if
+you keep us here, however are we to do that?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_29" id="pg_29">29</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, please give us the paper back,&#8221; begged Marjorie. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure the
+Pater will be so vexed if we never grow any bigger than this any more.&#8221;
+And she began to cry a little.</p>
+
+<p>You see, such a lot of very unusual things had happened that she was a
+little excited and nervous.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we&#8217;ll think about it,&#8221; said the gnomes, running away and hiding
+among the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t cry, Marjorie,&#8221; said Dick, bravely, though he too felt a little
+anxious himself; for, you see, eleven inches is not very tall for any
+one to be, and he didn&#8217;t care to admit what would happen if he went back
+to school in his present state.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chappel Minor has always been cheeky,&#8221; he thought, &#8220;and so have Martin
+and Foster, and if I keep this size they will think they can do just as
+they like with me, and probably will turn me out of the cricket eleven,
+while that little wretch of a Castleton is sure to sneak all my
+pencils&mdash;he does now when he gets a chance.&#8221; However, he kept these
+doleful thoughts to himself, and devoted himself to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_30" id="pg_30">30</a></span> task of
+consoling his sister and Fidge, and had soon talked them into such a
+cheerful frame of mind, that they really began to think that it was
+rather an advantage than otherwise to have lost the paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For one thing, we shall not have to hunt for that old Dodo,&#8221;
+argued Dick, &#8220;because even the Grand Panjandrum himself, whoever
+he may be, could not expect us to go far away while we remain as
+little as this, and so we are not in such great danger of
+being&mdash;er&mdash;er&mdash;thingummybobbed&mdash;you know&mdash;what the Ambassador said we
+should be, if we didn&#8217;t find the wretched thing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Supposing we try and find the Ambassador,&#8221; suggested Marjorie. &#8220;I don&#8217;t
+think he was really very cross, only a little abrupt, you know; and we
+could explain everything to him, and perhaps he would give us a new
+paper.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said Dick, leading the way. &#8220;At any rate, he will be able
+to make us grow bigger&mdash;that is, if we wish to,&#8221; he added, with a fine
+affectation of unconcern.</p>
+
+<p>The children walked on for some time in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_31" id="pg_31">31</a></span> direction in which the
+Ambassador and his followers had disappeared, and they soon found
+themselves out of the cave and in a kind of forest.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:361px">
+<a name="illus-008" id="illus-008"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00038.jpg" alt="&#34;A curious little old man with a flowing beard came toward them.&#34;" title="" width="361" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;A curious little old man with a flowing beard came toward them.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What funny trees,&#8221; said Fidge, looking up over his head.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_32" id="pg_32">32</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The others followed his example, and found that he had good cause for
+his surprise; the long, smooth trunks, without any leaves, ended in a
+kind of ball, while at the roots a kind of enormous bulb appeared.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever can they be?&#8221; cried Marjorie, in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Onions!&#8221; was the reply, spoken by a strange voice.</p>
+
+<p>The children turned around, and beheld a curious little old man with a
+long flowing beard coming toward them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you any other questions to ask?&#8221; he inquired, pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s very kind of you, Sir,&#8221; said Dick, who was the first to recover
+from the surprise which they had all experienced at this sudden
+apparition. &#8220;Will you, please, tell us where we are?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh,&#8221; said the little man, with a smile, &#8220;this is the Field of Onions.
+And I am the Sage with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of
+Onions. And that is the Hut of curious build which belongs to the Sage
+with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of Onions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_33" id="pg_33">33</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is there anything else I can tell you? If so, pray ask me. I like it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a funny man,&#8221; whispered Marjorie. &#8220;Do you think he is quite right
+in his head?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush!&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Perhaps he can direct us to the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s,
+and then we can find the Ambassador easily.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Little Panjandrum&#8217;s, certainly,&#8221; said the Sage, answering exactly as
+though he had been spoken to himself&mdash;</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:2em">
+&#8220;&#8221;Take the first to the right on Tuesday week,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The second to the left on Monday;</span><br />
+On Friday you&#8217;ll not have far to seek,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And be sure not to travel on Sunday!&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But it&#8217;s no use going at all till you&#8217;ve found the Dodo,&#8221; he added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious! how did you know that we were looking for it,&#8221; cried
+Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I know everything,&#8221; said the Sage, complacently. &#8220;Did you ever know
+a Sage who didn&#8217;t?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid I&#8217;ve never known one at all before,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_34" id="pg_34">34</a></span> Sir,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;but I
+should think it must be very useful to know such a lot, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, it isn&#8217;t bad,&#8221; admitted the Sage; &#8220;would you like to know how I
+became so clever?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, please,&#8221; cried all the children at once.</p>
+
+<p>Motioning them to a seat on an onion bulb, the little man struck an
+attitude, and began&mdash;</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:2em">
+&#8220;I was brought up on Verbs of irregular kind,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With a Pronoun or two as a treat,</span><br />
+While a strict course of Logic, to strengthen my mind,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">My pastors and masters thought meet.</span><br />
+<br />
+I had Lessons for breakfast, and Sums for my tea,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Learnt to play the Arithmetic nicely,</span><br />
+And gained all the prizes at School&mdash;don&#8217;t you see,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For construing Doggerel concisely.</span><br />
+<br />
+They were Isms, and Ologies, Science, and Cram,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Quadratic Equations, and Butter,</span><br />
+The <i>Pons asinorum</i>, and Strawberry Jam,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And the Cane, did I mumble or mutter.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_35" id="pg_35">35</a></span>
+<a name="STORIES_AND_TAILS_BY_THE_SAGE_883" id="STORIES_AND_TAILS_BY_THE_SAGE_883"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+<h3>STORIES AND TAILS BY THE SAGE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean to say,&#8221; inquired Dick, when the Sage had finished, &#8220;that
+all those last things were prizes; because, if so, there isn&#8217;t a single
+one of them that I should have cared for much, except the Strawberry
+Jam?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That only shows a great want of taste on your part,&#8221; said the old Sage,
+severely. &#8220;Isms and Ologies, and things of that sort, are very tasty,
+when you become used to them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are Isms and Ologies, if you please, Sir?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, there are various kinds,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;There&#8217;s Ge-Ology, for
+instance, which is lovely spread on bread-and-butter; and Zo-Ology, with
+Aphor-Ism sauce, is simply delicious.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They don&#8217;t sound very nice,&#8221; said Marjorie, dubiously, making a wry
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t know anything at all about it, I&#8217;m afraid, my dear,&#8221; said the
+little old man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_36" id="pg_36">36</a></span> decidedly. &#8220;You would probably prefer dolls and
+foolishness of that sort!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I think I should,&#8221; admitted Marjorie, candidly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know <i>everything</i>, please, Mr. Sage?&#8221; inquired Fidge, who had
+been very silent during this conversation, which he had not in the least
+been able to understand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, my dear,&#8221; said the Sage, smiling affably.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stories?&#8221; inquired Fidge, his eyes wide open with excitement and
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>The old man nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! do tell us one, please,&#8221; begged the little boy. &#8220;The Three Bears,
+or Little Red Riding Hood, or something of that sort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fidge, Fidge,&#8221; cried Dick, rebukingly, &#8220;you mustn&#8217;t bother the
+gentleman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t mind in the least,&#8221; said the Sage, pleasantly. &#8220;I&#8217;ll tell
+him some stories, if he likes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! thanks, that&#8217;s jolly!&#8221; cried Fidge, clapping his hands, and they
+all sat down again, while the old man began as follows:<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_37" id="pg_37">37</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was on a dark winter&#8217;s night, and the hot sun was pouring down upon
+the&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; interrupted Marjorie, &#8220;I beg your pardon, but haven&#8217;t you made a
+mistake? It couldn&#8217;t have been dark, you know, if the sun was shining.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Sage frowned severely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you telling this story, or am I?&#8221; he asked, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I beg your pardon,&#8221; said Marjorie, &#8220;please go on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Was pouring down upon the ship,&#8221; continued the Sage, &#8220;and almost
+freezing the poor soldiers, who had great difficulty as it was, in
+dragging the heavy cannon up the steep side of the mountain, upon which
+he was standing; still leaning over the side of the balloon, she peered
+down eagerly into the sky. There was not a soul in sight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Suddenly a cry of &#8216;Fire!&#8217; rang through the town, and two or three of
+them hastily putting on their best clothes, joined the picnic party
+under the gnarled oak tree in the meadow, and their joyous laughter rang
+merrily down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_38" id="pg_38">38</a></span> old staircase, where the grandfather&#8217;s clock stood,
+tick-tick-ticking, like the great volcano which yawned at their very
+feet, and into which the two boys plunged merrily, and were soon
+splashing about in the shallow water like a mahogany chest of drawers
+upon the sands of time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Sage paused.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you like it?&#8221; he inquired, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not much, I&#8217;m afraid,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;You see, we can&#8217;t quite understand
+what it&#8217;s all about.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, neither do I,&#8221; said the Sage, &#8220;because, you know, I&#8217;m making it
+up as I go along.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then it isn&#8217;t true?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True? Nonsense! You wanted a story, didn&#8217;t you? This is a real story;
+there isn&#8217;t a particle of truth in it anywhere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we didn&#8217;t mean that kind of story,&#8221; explained Marjorie, &#8220;we meant a
+tale.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What kind of a tale would you like&mdash;a Fishes&#8217; tale, a Birds&#8217; tale, or
+an Animals&#8217; tale?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A birds&#8217; tale, please,&#8221; said Marjorie, after consulting the others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_39" id="pg_39">39</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said the Sage, &#8220;this is a lot of birds&#8217; tales all tied up
+together, and is called a fable&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:358px">
+<a name="illus-009" id="illus-009"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00046.jpg" alt="&#34;The gossiping goose.&#34;" title="" width="358" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The gossiping goose.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it one of &AElig;sop&#8217;s?&#8221; asked Dick, who thought that it would look grand
+for him to have heard of &AElig;sop&#8217;s fables.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, it isn&#8217;t,&#8221; said the Sage, rather crossly; &#8220;it&#8217;s one of my own! Now
+then, are you ready? I call it&mdash;&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_40" id="pg_40">40</a></span></p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:4em;">&#8220;THE GOSSIPING GOOSE.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:2em">
+&#8220;A Crested Grebe, a Spoonbill, and a Goose,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I beg to say,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Met one fine day,</span><br />
+And compliments were passed the most profuse.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;How very well you look, my dear,&#8221; said one,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">&#8221;That shade of red</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon your head,</span><br />
+So sweet; and how <i>delightfully</i> your hair is done.&#8221;<br />
+<br />
+And each had gratifying things to say,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With gushing smile,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon the style</span><br />
+Of all the others&#8217; holiday array.<br />
+<br />
+Then Mrs. Goose, with most superior sneer,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Said, &#8221;Have you seen</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That dress of green</span><br />
+That Mrs. Peacock&#8217;s wearing now, my dear?<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;She looks a perfect guy, and then&mdash;her feet<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And legs! Oh, lor!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I never saw</span><br />
+A bird so clumsy, or so indiscreet.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;I met her at the Concert Hall last week,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A poor affair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I do declare,</span><br />
+I wonder that the Songsters have such cheek.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_41" id="pg_41">41</a></span><br />
+<br />
+&#8221;Miss Nightingale was singing far too loud;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I never heard</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">So harsh a bird,</span><br />
+I wonder how she dared to face the crowd.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;Miss Thrush had quite a decent voice, I hear,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Some years ago</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">(A score or so),</span><br />
+But now her voice is giving way, I fear.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;She sang as badly as did Mrs. Lark,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who all agreed,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Had every need</span><br />
+Of lessons, to bring <i>her</i> up to the mark.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;Miss Linnet had a really dreadful cough.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As for the rest,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They quite distressed</span><br />
+The company. Well, good-by, dears. I&#8217;m off.&#8221;<br />
+<br />
+And, while the Spoonbill and the other bird<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Went on their way,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I heard one say,</span><br />
+&#8221;That Mrs. Goose is really most absurd.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;She talks about the Peacock&#8217;s gaudy dress:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">If she prefers</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That gray of hers,</span><br />
+I don&#8217;t admire her taste, I must confess.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_42" id="pg_42">42</a></span><br />
+<br />
+&#8221;And as for legs and feet&mdash;well, I declare,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The pair she&#8217;s got</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Are really not</span><br />
+The kind that I&#8217;d be seen with anywhere.<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;While as for singing, that <i>she</i> should complain<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of other folk</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is past a joke,</span><br />
+I vow I&#8217;ll not be friends with her again.&#8221;<br />
+<br />
+&#8221;My dear,&#8221; the other said, &#8221;remember this:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A critic she</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of high degree,</span><br />
+For though she can&#8217;t sing well, the goose can <i>hiss</i>.&#8221;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Sage had scarcely finished when a sound of weeping and wailing was
+heard, and presently a whole troop of gnomes appeared in the onion
+field. They were crying bitterly, and to the children&#8217;s great surprise
+several of them had grown enormously tall and others equally stout.</p>
+
+<p>They came straight up to the Sage&#8217;s hut, and with tears streaming down
+their faces beseeched him to help them. They had foolishly been making
+use of the authority which the Little<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_43" id="pg_43">43</a></span> Panjandrum&#8217;s Ambassador had given
+to the children; and although it acted one way, and made them the size
+that they wished to be, it would not turn them back again.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:362px">
+<a name="illus-010" id="illus-010"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00050.jpg" alt="&#34;They were crying bitterly.&#34;" title="" width="362" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;They were crying bitterly.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_44" id="pg_44">44</a></span>&#8220;And my wife and family refuse to have anything to do with me,&#8221; said one
+ridiculously tall individual.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I can&#8217;t squeeze into my own house, anyhow,&#8221; wept the stout one.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The only way,&#8221; said the Sage, after a moment&#8217;s thought, with his
+forehead wrinkled into deep furrows, &#8220;is to send the Ki-Wi to the Court
+of the Little Panjandrum for a fresh authority. It&#8217;s no use your having
+this one back if it won&#8217;t act properly, is it?&#8221; he inquired, turning to
+the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly not,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;but who is the Ki-Wi, please?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he&#8217;s the Court Messenger,&#8221; explained the Sage, &#8220;and is the only one
+here allowed to enter the Court of the Little Panjandrum without
+permission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and fetch him,&#8221; he continued.</p>
+
+<p>And the gnomes disappeared, returning presently with the Ki-Wi (who
+turned out to be a curious kind of bird), and the written authority,
+which had been taken from the children.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_45" id="pg_45">45</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let me look at it,&#8221; said the Sage, holding out his hand for the paper.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:357px">
+<a name="illus-011" id="illus-011"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00052.jpg" alt="&#34;Produced a large document and began to read.&#34;" title="" width="357" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Produced a large document and began to read.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, no wonder it won&#8217;t act for the gnomes,&#8221; he exclaimed, when he had
+read it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It mentions you all by name&mdash;just try it yourselves, will you?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_46" id="pg_46">46</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Dick took the paper from him, and said loudly, &#8220;We wish to be our own
+size again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To their great delight the children at once found themselves their usual
+height, and the onions, which had looked before like huge trees, now
+only reached a little above their heads, while the Sage and the other
+gnomes looked the tiniest little creatures again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is better,&#8221; said Dick, shaking himself as though he had come out
+of the water.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, isn&#8217;t it good to be ourselves once more,&#8221; said Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>While Fidge jumped about delightedly, breaking down several of the onion
+plants, and almost treading on the Sage&#8217;s hut.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t caper about like a lot of lunatics,&#8221; shouted the little man,
+angrily. &#8220;Come and sit down and talk business. The Ki-Wi has something
+to tell you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All excitement to know what it could be, the children sat down again,
+and the Ki-Wi after fumbling about in his coat tail for some time,
+produced a large document and began to read.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_47" id="pg_47">47</a></span>
+<a name="THE_KING_OF_THE_FISHES_1153" id="THE_KING_OF_THE_FISHES_1153"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+<h3>THE KING OF THE FISHES.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220; Um&mdash;ah&mdash;that is to say&mdash;er&mdash;notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise
+also, and as is herein aforesaid,&#8221; began the Ki-Wi, in an important
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold on!&#8221; cried Dick. &#8220;We can&#8217;t understand all that, you know. Why
+don&#8217;t you say what you have to say in English?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is English,&#8221; declared the Ki-Wi, in an aggrieved voice, &#8220;and very
+good English too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course it is,&#8221; chimed in the Sage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well we don&#8217;t understand it, anyhow,&#8221; maintained Dick. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t seem
+to mean anything at all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps, Dick, dear,&#8221; said Marjorie, &#8220;Mr. Sage will explain it to us.
+Let&#8217;s see&mdash;it began&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8221;Notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise, and as is herein aforesaid,&#8221;&#8221;
+repeated the Ki-Wi.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_48" id="pg_48">48</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll explain it, if you wish with pleasure,&#8221; said the Sage,
+&#8220;though I can&#8217;t see in the least why it should be necessary. It seems to
+me to perfectly simple. To begin with&mdash;&#8216;Notwithstanding&#8217; describes our
+position just now&mdash;Not-with-standing, or <i>not standing with</i> the Ki-Wi.
+He is standing, while we are sitting down, you see; then &#8216;nevertheless&#8217;
+means of course the same as <i>always-the-greater</i>, which exactly
+describes me. You see, my great learning and cleverness always makes me
+greater than the people I am speaking to, and consequently
+<i>never-the-less</i>. The next word is also descriptive of myself.
+&#8216;Likewise,&#8217; or <i>like a wise man</i>, which, I am sure, you will all agree
+that I am; and &#8221;herein&#8217; means that my brains are all <i>in here</i>,&#8221; said
+the Sage, tapping his head. &#8220;While &#8216;aforesaid&#8217;&mdash;the last word&mdash;means
+that I have a strong head, or a <i>force-head</i>, do you see?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is the rest of the paper all about yourself, too, Sir?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; was the complacent reply. &#8220;Go on, Ki-Wi.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid we can&#8217;t stop,&#8221; interrupted Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_49" id="pg_49">49</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see, we have got to hunt up that wretched Dodo, and perhaps we had
+better be going now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, we must be going now,&#8221; chimed in Fidge, jumping up eagerly, for
+all this rigmarole had been very uninteresting to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I&#8217;m sorry you can&#8217;t stay,&#8221; said the Sage, in a disappointed voice.
+&#8220;I could have told you such a lot more about myself. You do think I&#8217;m
+clever though, don&#8217;t you?&#8221; he asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, immensely!&#8221; said the children, politely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks!&#8221; said the Sage. &#8220;Will you take a few onions with you as a
+memento of your visit?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No thank you,&#8221; said Marjorie, hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They would remind you of me,&#8221; suggested the Sage, wistfully; &#8220;Sage and
+onions you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, thanks,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;I&#8217;m sure we shall remember you without.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now that&#8217;s <i>very</i> kind of you,&#8221; said the Sage, &#8220;and I&#8217;ll do the best I
+can to help you in your search for the Dodo. Let&#8217;s see, where did he say
+he was going to?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_50" id="pg_50">50</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Equator,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;but I&#8217;m sure we can&#8217;t go all that way after
+him, and get back in a week.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You could if you went by sea,&#8221; said the Sage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I could give you an introduction to the King of the Fishes, you
+know, and he <i>might</i> lend you his dolphins; they travel at a rare pace,
+and would get you there in no time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes,&#8221; cried Marjorie, &#8220;of course we <i>can</i> go under the sea, don&#8217;t
+you know, the paper says so. Wouldn&#8217;t it be jolly, even if we didn&#8217;t
+find the Dodo?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t want to be drownded, and get all deaded,&#8221; objected Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You wouldn&#8217;t be, dear,&#8221; said Marjorie. &#8220;Brother Dick wouldn&#8217;t take us
+anywhere where we should come to any harm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How should we get there, I wonder?&#8221; asked Dick, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll show you&mdash;come along,&#8221; said the Sage, getting up and leading the
+way.</p>
+
+<p>The children followed, and the little gnomes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_51" id="pg_51">51</a></span> now all reduced to their
+proper size, came trooping along after them.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they reached the edge of the cliff, and the sea, sparkling in
+the sunlight, lay at their feet some distance below.</p>
+
+<p>The Sage, hastily scribbling a note with a piece of pencil, thrust it
+into Dick&#8217;s hand, and crying, &#8220;This is the quickest way!&#8221; deliberately
+pushed the children, one after the other, over the cliff.</p>
+
+<p>Before they had time to realize what had happened, or to become in the
+least alarmed, they found themselves slowly and comfortably sinking
+through the air; while a shriek of laughter from the gnomes caused them
+to look up to the edge of the cliffs, where they beheld all the little
+fellows leaning over and waving their pocket-handkerchiefs, while the
+Sage and the Ki-Wi stood in their midst.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; cried Marjorie, as they descended, &#8220;isn&#8217;t it fortunate we have the
+power to float in the air; it would have been an awful plunge otherwise,
+wouldn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; agreed Dick, reaching out his hand to<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_52" id="pg_52">52</a></span> Fidge, who looked just a
+little wee bit frightened. &#8220;I wonder what it will be like on the sea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He had not to speculate long, however, for almost at that moment their
+feet touched the water, and they sank down, down, down through the clear
+green depths.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, look!&#8221; cried Fidge, excitedly. &#8220;Fishes! Fishes!&#8221; and he started off
+swimming after them quite naturally.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One&#8217;s got a hat on,&#8221; he called out. &#8220;Look! look! there&#8217;s another; oh,
+let&#8217;s catch them!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you don&#8217;t behave yourself you&#8217;ll be locked up,&#8221; said a severe voice,
+and, turning around, the children beheld a very stern-looking fish,
+wearing a helmet, and carrying a truncheon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then, move on; don&#8217;t obstruct the traffic!&#8221; he cried, angrily; and
+the children swimming off as hastily as they could, mentally put him
+down as a kind of sea policeman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You certainly mustn&#8217;t try and catch any of the fishes, Fidge, or you
+will be getting us all into trouble,&#8221; said Dick. And Fidge, overawed by
+the policeman fish, became quiet subdued,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_53" id="pg_53">53</a></span> and contented himself with a
+quiet &#8220;Look! look!&#8221; when they passed anything particularly strange or
+interesting.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:370px">
+<a name="illus-012" id="illus-012"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00060.jpg" alt="&#34;The chair was floating just in front of them.&#34;" title="" width="370" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The chair was floating just in front of them.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>They had very nearly reached the bottom of the sea, when they noticed a
+singular-looking object floating some distance in front of them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It looks like a chair!&#8221; declared Marjorie. &#8220;Why, I believe,&#8221; she
+continued, as they drew<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_54" id="pg_54">54</a></span> nearer, &#8220;that it&#8217;s the very one the Dodo was
+floating upon when we saw him last.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So it is!&#8221; cried Dick; &#8220;and look, there&#8217;s a note on it&mdash;perhaps it&#8217;s
+for us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They swam towards it as quickly as they could, and had just reached the
+chair, as a curious-looking fish&mdash;with a very long nose, and wearing
+shoes on the end of his long tail, and a tall hat&mdash;swam past.</p>
+
+<p>He looked at them inquisitively, and then stood a little way at the back
+of them, waiting till they should be disengaged.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To all to whom it may concern,&#8221; read Dick, after he had picked up the
+note from off the chair. &#8220;I suppose that means us as much as any one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course it does,&#8221; agreed Marjorie. &#8220;It concerns us very much to find
+out where the Dodo is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dick hesitated no longer, but opened the note eagerly. His face fell,
+however, when he beheld the contents.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Mind your own business!</i>&#8221; he read, slowly. &#8220;What a sell! I believe the
+Dodo did write<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_55" id="pg_55">55</a></span> it, though, and intended it as a hint that we were not
+to try find and him. I&#8217;m half inclined to give it up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But Dick, dear, remember,&#8221; said Marjorie, &#8220;we shall be&mdash;er&mdash;you
+know&mdash;what the Ambassador said&mdash;if we don&#8217;t find him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, ah,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;I&#8217;d forgotten that. Come on, then; let&#8217;s see what
+can be done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can I be of any assistance?&#8221; said the thin fish, coming forward with a
+polite bow. &#8220;Have you lost anything?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, thanks,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking for a Dodo. Do you happen to
+have seen one about here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A Dodo,&#8221; said the fish, reflectively. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think I have the
+pleasure of the gentleman&#8217;s acquaintance. What kind of a fish is he?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he isn&#8217;t a fish at all,&#8221; explained Dick; &#8220;he is a kind of bird, you
+know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! birds we don&#8217;t encourage below the surface, as a rule,&#8221; said the
+fish, smiling indulgently. &#8220;You are scarcely likely to meet with him
+here. Perhaps His Majesty the King of the Fishes would advise you.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_56" id="pg_56">56</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I have a letter of introduction to His Majesty,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;I&#8217;m
+afraid it&#8217;s rather wet,&#8221; he said, apologetically, drawing it from his
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be unacceptable to His Majesty were it not so,&#8221; said the fish.
+&#8220;Well, now, I <i>was</i> going to a football match, it being a half-holiday;
+but under the circumstances, I will put it off, and escort you to the
+Palace. This way, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sinking down to the sand at the bottom of the sea, the fish led the way
+through a beautiful forest of waving seaweed, of all the colors of the
+rainbow. Exquisite shells were strewn about, and brightly-colored
+anemones clung to the rocks on every side, while all kinds of
+oddly-shaped fishes swam about, peering at the children curiously as
+they passed.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they came in sight of a kind of Palace, formed of
+quaintly-shaped pieces of coral, which, the fish explained, was where
+the King lived.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just stay here a moment, please,&#8221; said he; and the children waited
+outside while he went into the Palace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_57" id="pg_57">57</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:362px">
+<a name="illus-013" id="illus-013"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00064.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Bring them forward,&#39; said the king of the fishes.&#34;" title="" width="362" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Bring them forward,&#39; said the king of the fishes.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Fidge pulled aside a piece of seaweed, and they all peeped through a
+hole in the coral, and saw a large fish wearing a crown, and with a
+curious chain about his neck, to which was attached an enormous
+fish-hook, seated on a throne.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_58" id="pg_58">58</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Officers of State stood round about, and the little thin fish that had
+been so polite to them was bowing and scraping in quite a courtly
+fashion.</p>
+
+<p>He was evidently telling His Majesty all about them, for, after hearing
+what he had to say, the King of the Fishes nodded; and the thin fish
+came out, and informed them that they were to be admitted into the
+Presence.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_59" id="pg_59">59</a></span>
+<a name="IN_THE_KINGS_PRESENCE_1399" id="IN_THE_KINGS_PRESENCE_1399"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+<h3>IN THE KING&#8221;S PRESENCE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you understand fish-language?&#8221; whispered the little thin fish,
+hurriedly, as he was conducting them into the Presence Chamber.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid not,&#8221; replied Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you must remain silent, for in the King&#8217;s presence nothing but the
+fish-language is allowed to be spoken. I will interpret for you
+afterwards.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Pushing aside some curtains of brightly-colored seaweed he led them into
+the Presence Chamber.</p>
+
+<p>The King received them very graciously, and held out one fin as they
+approached.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect we ought to kneel on one knee, and kiss it, like they do at
+presentations,&#8221; whispered Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>But Dick wasn&#8217;t going to do anything of that sort, and just touched it
+lightly with one hand,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_60" id="pg_60">60</a></span> while the others followed suit. The thin fish
+then motioned them to sit down on a kind of divan, upon which large
+sponges took the place of cushions, and which the children found to be
+most comfortable; and the audience began.</p>
+
+<p>The most extraordinary part about it was that not the slightest sound
+could be heard. The little thin fish opened and shut his mouth in
+little, short, jerky gasps, to which the King replied by slowly opening
+and shutting his, rolling his eyes about meanwhile, just as you may have
+seen fishes do in an aquarium.</p>
+
+<p>Then the little fish solemnly handed His Majesty the Sage&#8217;s letter,
+which the King put on his gold-rimmed glasses to read.</p>
+
+<p>Having done so, he turned to the children and smiled, at least that&#8217;s
+what they afterwards found out he was doing; but, really and truly, he
+made such a curious grimace that poor little Fidge was frightened, and
+wanted to run away.</p>
+
+<p>His Majesty then opened and shut his mouth very slowly three or four
+times, to which all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_61" id="pg_61">61</a></span> other fishes replied by swimming backwards
+three strokes, and then forward three strokes. Then the audience was at
+an end.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:370px">
+<a name="illus-014" id="illus-014"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00068.jpg" alt="&#34;Some fishes were playing football.&#34;" title="" width="370" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Some fishes were playing football.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The little thin fish came and whispered to the children, &#8220;It is usual
+for mortals, when leaving the presence of the King, to turn three
+somersaults backwards. Do you think you can do that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid not,&#8221; replied Dick, anxiously. &#8220;At least, I might be able to
+manage, but I don&#8217;t know about Marjorie and Fidge.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_62" id="pg_62">62</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, never mind, then; I&#8217;ll ask His Majesty to be good enough to excuse
+you,&#8221; said the fish, and, making a low bow to the King, he explained the
+situation in a few short gasps.</p>
+
+<p>His Majesty thereupon left the audience chamber, having first graciously
+inclined his head towards the children.</p>
+
+<p>As he swam away, two little fishes attached themselves to the tip of His
+Majesty&#8217;s tail, while another held the crown down on his royal head, to
+prevent it from slipping off, the rest of the audience swimming behind
+at a respectful distance, forming a sort of procession.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; began the thin fish, after the others had all gone, &#8220;I
+congratulate you. His Majesty had been good enough to place the Royal
+Dolphins at your disposal, and if the Dodo you are searching for is
+anywhere on, or in, the sea you ought to have no difficulty in finding
+him, for the Dolphins swim very quickly indeed, and can take you
+anywhere you like in a jiffy. Please follow me to the royal stables, and
+we will harness them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children passed out after their kind little<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_63" id="pg_63">63</a></span> friend, and followed
+him into the gardens of the Palace, which they had to cross in order to
+reach the stables.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie was enraptured at the sight of the beautifully-arranged
+gardens, in which brightly-colored anemones took the place of flowers.</p>
+
+<p>On a lawn of the finest short green seaweed, a number of globe-shaped
+fishes, with striped bodies, were playing football, and the children
+stopped a few minutes to watch the game.</p>
+
+<p>They were very much surprised to find that the football itself was a
+fish&mdash;a little round chap, just the shape of a football&mdash;who, on the
+players giving him a smart kick with their tail, shot up through the
+water and over the goal in no time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Doesn&#8217;t he object?&#8221; said Dick, after they had watched this performance
+for some time; &#8220;I know I should.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, dear, no!&#8221; exclaimed their guide, &#8220;he enjoys it quite as much as
+the others do. You see, it&#8217;s such a delightful sensation to be shot
+through the water without the effort of swimming;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_64" id="pg_64">64</a></span> but, come along, we
+must be off if you are going to start to-day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width:257px">
+<a name="illus-015" id="illus-015"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00071.jpg" alt="&#34;And now he&#39;s quite well, thanks.&#34;" title="" width="257" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;And now he&#39;s quite well, thanks.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s one little piece of advice I should like to give you in your
+search for the Dodo,&#8221; he continued, kindly, as they swam along. &#8220;If you
+don&#8217;t succeed in catching him one way, try another. Remember the bear
+with a cold.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; asked the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you know the story of the bear with a cold?&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; do tell us!&#8221; they cried.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_65" id="pg_65">65</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you see,&#8221; said the fish, &#8220;there was once an old bear, who had a
+dreadful cold, and his friends all advised him to try different things
+to cure it. One said one thing, and one another, and although he tried
+them all, one after the other, he didn&#8217;t get any better; but still he
+persevered, and kept trying all the remedies they suggested, and at last
+he <i>was</i> cured, and what do you think did it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:329px">
+<a name="illus-016" id="illus-016"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00072.jpg" alt="&#34;Come on, Marjorie, let&#39;s have a race.&#34;" title="" width="329" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Come on, Marjorie, let&#39;s have a race.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_66" id="pg_66">66</a></span>&#8220;What?&#8221; inquired the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, some one suggested putting his feet into hot mustard and water and
+drinking gruel&mdash;and he tried it several times with no effect; and at
+last he fortunately thought of reversing the process, so he put his feet
+into some thick gruel, and drank a lot of mustard and water, and now
+he&#8217;s quite well, thanks. So don&#8217;t you get discouraged if you don&#8217;t find
+the Dodo at once; but, as I said before, if one way doesn&#8217;t succeed, try
+another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks!&#8221; said the children, &#8220;we&#8217;ll remember.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Just then they found themselves before a kind of shed, built of coral,
+which the fish entered, returning shortly afterwards leading three
+curious-looking fishes by a simple sort of bridle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here they are!&#8221; he announced; &#8220;you will<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_67" id="pg_67">67</a></span> find them quite docile. Just
+mount them and see how you like their pace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children needed no second invitation, and were soon astride their
+strange steeds.</p>
+
+<p>With a whisk of their tails they were soon off, dashing through the
+water at such a rate that the little thin fish had the greatest
+difficulty in keeping up with them, even for a short distance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! this is jolly!&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come on, Marjorie, let&#8217;s have a race.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dolphins answered to the slightest pull at the reins, and the
+children hadn&#8217;t the least fear; so, getting into a line, they waited for
+their friend the thin fish to come up and give them the signal to
+start.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_68" id="pg_68">68</a></span>
+<a name="THE_HUMAN_RACE_1568" id="THE_HUMAN_RACE_1568"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+<h3>THE HUMAN RACE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The little thin fish seemed to be a long while catching them up, and,
+while they were waiting, Marjorie espied a curious figure poking about
+among the seaweed a short distance away from them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder what it is!&#8221; she cried, and the children dismounted from the
+Dolphins, and, tying them by the reins to some coral stumps, so that
+they could not swim away, they half walked and half swam over to where
+Marjorie had first noticed the creature, whatever it was.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, it&#8217;s a man!&#8221; cried Dick, as they drew nearer, and could
+distinguish him more clearly.</p>
+
+<p>He was a wretched-looking old fellow, with a heavy sack upon his back,
+and was clothed only in a ragged old garment, which scarcely reached to
+his knees.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poor man,&#8221; said Marjorie, in a whisper,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_69" id="pg_69">69</a></span> &#8220;how unhappy he looks; perhaps
+he has lost something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man glanced up nervously as the children approached, and, clutching
+at his bag jealously, he demanded&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you? What do you want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nothing, thank you, poor old man,&#8221; began Marjorie; &#8220;we were only&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old man burst into a peal of hoarse laughter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Poor</i> old man!&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;Do you know that I am the richest man
+in the world. Look!&#8221; he exclaimed, opening his bag before the children&#8217;s
+astonished eyes. &#8220;Gold! jewels! riches! wealth! they are all
+mine&mdash;ha&mdash;ha&mdash;ha&mdash;ha!&#8221; and he laughed discordantly, and hugged the bag
+closely to himself again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, come away!&#8221; cried Marjorie, catching at Dick&#8217;s arm. &#8220;I&#8217;m so
+frightened.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m the Old Man of the Sea,&#8221; continued the man, &#8220;and all the treasures
+of the deep are mine. I have stacks of golden crowns and jewels without
+number, and each day I gather more&mdash;they are all mine&mdash;mine&mdash;mine!&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_70" id="pg_70">70</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But where do they all come from?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The bottom of the sea is strewn with riches,&#8221; continued the old man,
+&#8220;and there is no one to reap the harvest but myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must be very happy if you are so rich,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;It must be
+lovely to have all those things.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I am not happy,&#8221; said the Old Man of the Sea. &#8220;I am very old, and
+very lonely, and there is no one here to admire my treasures but myself.
+The fishes will have nothing to do with me&mdash;they do not care for gold;
+it is valueless to them&mdash;and I may not go on land, so I am here alone
+with my riches, and every day I gather more and more. I have piled them
+high about my cave in a great circle, and some day, when it becomes
+top-heavy, it will fall over and crush me beneath it, and I shall be
+buried in a tomb of gold. No king, no emperor, had ever so grand a
+sepulchre as I shall have, but I am not happy&mdash;no&mdash;no&mdash;not happy, not
+happy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And the old man shouldered his bag and moved away, muttering
+sorrowfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_71" id="pg_71">71</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Poor man, poor man,&#8221; said Marjorie; &#8220;for he is poor, although he has so
+much wealth isn&#8217;t he, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:365px">
+<a name="illus-017" id="illus-017"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00078.jpg" alt="&#34;Filling his bag with all kinds of treasure.&#34;" title="" width="365" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Filling his bag with all kinds of treasure.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, jolly poor, and miserable too. I wouldn&#8217;t be him for something,&#8221;
+said Dick. &#8220;Come on, it makes me wretched to think about him&mdash;let&#8217;s get
+back to the Dolphins.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_72" id="pg_72">72</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When they reached them, they found that little friend, the thin fish,
+had arrived at last.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo!&#8221; cried Dick. &#8220;What a jolly long while you have been catching us
+up. Wherever have you been to all this time?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; explained the fish, &#8220;I thought I heard you saying something about
+a race, and suddenly I remembered what a splendid opportunity your visit
+down here would afford us of witnessing a real human race&mdash;you are
+human, aren&#8217;t you?&#8221; he asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I suppose so,&#8221; replied Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s right,&#8221; said the fish. &#8220;Come on, the King is most anxious for
+the race to begin at once, and I promised to bring you back with me
+immediately.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what <i>is</i> a human race?&#8221; inquired Marjorie, as they mounted their
+Dolphins.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you&#8217;ll see when we get back,&#8221; was the reply, and, the little fish
+hanging on to one of the Dolphins&#8217; tails they were soon flying through
+the water at a rare rate.</p>
+
+<p>When they got back to the lawn by the King&#8217;s Palace, the children were
+greatly astonished to<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_73" id="pg_73">73</a></span> see a big crowd of fishes drawn up in two lines,
+with a wide path between them. The King, on a shell throne, surrounded
+by his courtiers, was at one end, and several important-looking fishes
+were fussing about at the other, making a straight line with some little
+lumps of white chalk.</p>
+
+<p>There was a cheer when the children arrived on their Dolphins, and a
+rush was made to assist them to alight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what are we to do?&#8221; they inquired, rather dismayed at these
+elaborate preparations.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Show us a human race,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, a human race is just like any other kind of race, I suppose,&#8221;
+said Dick, &#8220;the one who reaches the goal first wins. If we are going to
+race, though, we shall have to be handicapped.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; cried the fishes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you see,&#8221; explained Dick, &#8220;it wouldn&#8217;t be fair for us all to start
+from the same line, for Fidge, of course, cannot run as quickly as
+Marjorie or me; and Marjorie, too, being only a girl, will have to have
+a start allowed her, and this is called handicapping.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_74" id="pg_74">74</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, manage it your own way,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;When are you going
+to start?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, as soon as you like,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Where&#8217;s the winning-post?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That white line up by the King&#8217;s throne,&#8221; said one of the fishes. And
+Dick, having given Fidge a very long start, and Marjorie a slight
+advantage, declared himself ready to begin.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:2em">
+&#8220;One, to make ready,<br />
+Two, to be steady,<br />
+Three, and&mdash;away!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>shouted one of the principal fishes, and off they scrambled. I say
+scrambled, because if you have ever tried to run under water you will
+know that it is a very difficult thing to do&mdash;the weight of the water
+prevents you from getting along at all quickly. The fishes watching the
+race became very excited, and, in their eagerness to urge them on, kept
+getting in the children&#8217;s way, swimming about in front of them, and
+getting mixed up with their arms and legs in a most confusing manner. At
+length, however, this extraordinary race came to an end, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_75" id="pg_75">75</a></span>
+children arrived at the winning-post in the same order in which they had
+started.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I&#8217;ve won&mdash;I&#8217;ve won!&#8221; shouted Fidge, delightedly. &#8220;Haven&#8217;t I, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:359px">
+<a name="illus-018" id="illus-018"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00082.jpg" alt="&#34;They were called before the king to receive their prize.&#34;" title="" width="359" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;They were called before the king to receive their prize.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course you have,&#8221; said Dick, who had purposely been holding back to
+give the other two a chance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_76" id="pg_76">76</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shall I get a prize?&#8221; whispered the little boy, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps,&#8221; answered Dick; &#8220;wait and see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Their little friend, the thin fish, had gone up to the King, and was
+talking very earnestly to him, and presently returning said that His
+Majesty had decided to give them all a prize.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I wonder what it will be!&#8221; said Marjorie, excitedly. &#8220;Fancy, having
+a prize from a real King!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s only a fish,&#8221; said Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush, dear, you&#8217;ll hurt his feelings,&#8221; whispered Marjorie, warningly.</p>
+
+<p>Just then the thin fish put on his top hat&mdash;he was the only one allowed
+to wear one in the King&#8217;s presence&mdash;and began a long speech. He spoke so
+very softly, though, that no one could hear a word that he said; but, at
+regular intervals, all the other fishes clapped their fins, and called
+out, &#8220;Hear, hear!&#8221; most enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever do you do that for?&#8221; inquired Dick, of one of them; &#8220;I&#8217;m sure
+you cannot hear a word of what he is saying.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no, we can&#8217;t,&#8221; admitted the fish, quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_77" id="pg_77">77</a></span> candidly; &#8220;but it&#8217;s the
+proper thing to do, you know, it encourages him so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After the speech the children were called before the King to receive
+their prize.</p>
+
+<p>His Majesty did not speak to them, but motioned majestically to a large
+branch of pink coral near the throne, and they were thus given to
+understand that it was intended for them as a prize.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, they pretended to be highly gratified, though, in reality,
+they were greatly disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stupid old thing! it&#8217;s not a bit of use, even if we could carry it,&#8221;
+muttered Dick; and Fidge, too, was so cross that he nearly quarreled
+outright with a perky little fish who had been standing, hat in hand,
+near him, and who now came and sat down so close to him that his sharp
+scales scratched the little fellow&#8217;s bare legs.</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterwards, however, they had all forgotten their ill-humor in
+their amusement at what was happening, for the King having withdrawn,
+the rest of the fishes each took a partner,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_78" id="pg_78">78</a></span> and began whirling round
+and round in a frantic way in a mad kind of dance, to the strains of
+some weird music, provided by one or two of their number blowing through
+some long shells, whilst others used some smaller flat ones as
+castanets.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:338px">
+<a name="illus-019" id="illus-019"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00085.jpg" alt="&#34;Whirling round and round in a frantic way.&#34;" title="" width="338" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Whirling round and round in a frantic way.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose this is what is called a fish ball,&#8221; said Dick, laughing
+heartily at the strange antics which the fishes were cutting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_79" id="pg_79">79</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And just as Marjorie was about to reply a dark shadow passing overhead
+caused all of the children to look up.</p>
+
+<p>A pair of large webbed feet were seen slowly paddling above them, and
+beyond them the outline of a bird&#8217;s body could be traced.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie seized Dick&#8217;s arm excitedly. &#8220;Look! look!&#8221; she exclaimed,
+hastily, &#8220;the Dodo!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_80" id="pg_80">80</a></span>
+<a name="THE_DODO_AT_LAST_1803" id="THE_DODO_AT_LAST_1803"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+<h3>THE DODO AT LAST.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;I really believe it is the Dodo,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Only I&#8217;m not quite sure
+if his feet <i>were</i> webbed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t think they were,&#8221; declared Marjorie. &#8220;Now don&#8217;t you think,&#8221;
+she continued, excitedly, &#8220;that it would be best for us just to swim
+quietly up to him, and catch hold of his legs; you see, he couldn&#8217;t
+possibly get away then, and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; interrupted Dick. &#8220;Come on&mdash;steady now, so as not to alarm
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The feet above them were paddling leisurely along, and the children had
+no difficulty in quickly catching up to the bird, and, with a triumphant
+shout, Dick clutched hold of one leg, while Marjorie and Fidge hung on
+to the other.</p>
+
+<p>There was immediately a great outcry from above the water.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Help! Help! Fire! Police! Thieves!&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_81" id="pg_81">81</a></span> cried a voice, and the feet began
+to kick so violently that the children had quite a difficulty to keep
+their hold.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:337px">
+<a name="illus-020" id="illus-020"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00088.jpg" alt="&#34;The Dodo tried to follow their example.&#34;" title="" width="337" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Dodo tried to follow their example.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In response to the cries a number of other birds came flying to the
+rescue, and &#8220;splush,&#8221; &#8220;splash,&#8221; sounded on all sides as they settled
+down on the water.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_82" id="pg_82">82</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is the matter?&#8221; cried several voices at once.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; cried the bird which the children had captured, beating his wings
+about violently, and creating a terrible confusion, &#8220;a crab or something
+has caught hold of my legs, and I am being killed&mdash;help!&mdash;save me!&mdash;save
+me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A confused sound of voices followed, and presently one or two heads
+appeared below the water; they were hastily withdrawn, however, and with
+an alarmed cry of &#8220;Sharks!&#8221; the other birds all flew away, leaving their
+luckless companion to his fate.</p>
+
+<p>The bird, when he found himself deserted by his friends, made more
+frantic efforts than ever to escape; and the beating of his wings upon
+the water caused the whole party to move slowly along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are we to do now?&#8221; whispered Marjorie; &#8220;we can&#8217;t drag him
+underneath, or he&#8217;d be drowned, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, let&#8217;s hang on,&#8221; cried Dick, &#8220;perhaps he will drag us along till we
+come to land somewhere.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_83" id="pg_83">83</a></span> I say,&#8221; he shouted, &#8220;are you the Dodo, or not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His voice could evidently not be heard above the water, for there was no
+reply from the bird, which continued making a terrific outcry, using
+every effort to get away from them.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, just as Dick had suggested, some rocks came in sight, and the
+children could see that they were being gradually dragged towards the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes they had the satisfaction of being able to scramble out
+of the water, when they discovered, to their great dismay, that their
+captive was not the Dodo at all, but a great wild goose, who, when they
+hurriedly released his legs waddled awkwardly ashore, and gazed at them
+with reproachful eyes.</p>
+
+<p>A little way inland the Dodo himself could be seen standing, surrounded
+by an excited group of birds, who, when they caught sight of the
+children emerging from the water, immediately took to flight, screaming
+in horrified tones&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Sharks! The Sharks! Here come the Sharks!&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_84" id="pg_84">84</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Dodo tried to follow their example, and for a moment it looked as
+though the children would lose him after all; but it soon became evident
+that the creature could not fly, for after wildly beating the air for
+awhile, with his little apologies for wings, the miserable bird fell
+squalling into the water, while his companions disappeared in the
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Help! Help!&#8221; he screamed, as he struggled with the waves. &#8220;Don&#8217;t you
+see that I&#8217;m drowning? Oh! Oh! Help! Help!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Swim ashore,&#8221; cried the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t,&#8221; was the reply, in a faint voice. &#8220;I can&#8217;t swim. Oh!&mdash;oh!
+there go my poor, dear gloves.&#8221; This last as his wings, which he had
+been holding up out of the water, sank exhausted to his side.</p>
+
+<p>Dick plunged in, and soon brought the bird to shore, where he stood for
+a moment or two, ruefully regarding his white kid gloves, which the salt
+water had completely ruined, while the bow of his necktie had slipped
+around to the back of his neck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A pretty figure I shall cut now at the Ichthyosaurus&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_85" id="pg_85">85</a></span> At Home,&#8221; he
+grumbled. &#8220;It&#8217;s all your fault, too,&#8221; he declared, ungratefully
+disregarding the fact that Dick had just rescued him from a watery
+grave. &#8220;What do you want with me, anyhow?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you see,&#8221; hastily explained Dick, &#8220;the Ambassador to the Little
+Panjandrum sent us in search of you, and if we don&#8217;t take you back in
+less than a week we&#8217;re to be&mdash;er&mdash;er&mdash;something with an awfully long
+name&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know&mdash;Subtransexdistricated, that&#8217;s it, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said the Dodo.
+&#8220;They always threaten to do that to people. Ough! its perfectly
+horrible&#8221; he cried, shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s it like?&#8221; asked the children, in an awe-stricken whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; explained the Dodo, &#8220;you are mygrylaled in pslmsms till you
+saukle, and then you are taken out and gopheled on both sides for a
+fortnight. Ough! it&#8217;s dreadful to think about, and I wouldn&#8217;t dream of
+putting you to the risk of having it done to you. So I suppose I shall
+have to go back,&#8221; he added, with a sigh. &#8220;It&#8217;s jolly awkward, though!
+Oh, I <i>hate</i> him!&#8221; he said, stamping his claw violently.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_86" id="pg_86">86</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who?&#8221; inquired the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Little Panjandrum,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;Nasty, consequential little
+prig! And who is he, I should like to know? Panjandrums are not to be
+mentioned in the same breath as Dodos&mdash;we are a much more ancient family
+than they are, and, besides, <i>we</i> are extinct,&#8221; he said, proudly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, of course,&#8221; agreed Dick, who did not care to go into the Dodo
+private grievances, and who certainly did not care to run the risk of
+being &#8220;gopheled on both sides,&#8221; whatever that might mean; &#8220;but don&#8217;t you
+think we had better be going now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How are we going to get back?&#8221; demanded the Dodo, abruptly. &#8220;I can&#8217;t
+swim and I can&#8217;t fly. You&#8217;ll have to carry me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious!&#8221; exclaimed Marjorie, in dismay. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure we can&#8217;t do
+that! Why, you are as big as we are!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;m sure I don&#8217;t know what is to be done,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;I
+won&#8217;t get into the water again for <i>any one</i>, so there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Just then, Fidge, who had been playing on<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_87" id="pg_87">87</a></span> the shore, ran back with the
+news that the little thin fish wanted to speak to them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Sorry to trouble you,&#8221; he began, popping his head out of the water
+and raising his hat politely; &#8220;but His Majesty sent me to inquire how
+you were getting on. I see you have found him,&#8221; he added, pointing to
+the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; but now we are in another fix,&#8221; cried the children; &#8220;we don&#8217;t know
+how to get the creature home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width:241px">
+<a name="illus-021" id="illus-021"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00094.jpg" alt="&#34;The Dodo cut a strange figure.&#34;" title="" width="241" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Dodo cut a strange figure.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you calling a creature?&#8221; said the Dodo, sulkily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what else are you?&#8221; demanded Dick. &#8220;You&#8217;re an awful nuisance,
+anyhow, and <i>I</i> don&#8217;t<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_88" id="pg_88">88</a></span> know how we are going to get you away from this
+place, I&#8217;m sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are the Dolphins,&#8221; suggested the little fish.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, yes, of course,&#8221; cried Dick. &#8220;I had forgotten them. I suppose you
+can ride a Dolphin, can&#8217;t you?&#8221; he inquired of the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t know. Never tried. Daresay I could,&#8221; answered the bird, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>The fish disappeared, and returned a few minutes later with the three
+Dolphins in tow.</p>
+
+<p>Fidge was more than delighted to see the &#8220;horses,&#8221; as he called them,
+again, and lost no time in getting astride of one; the others followed
+more deliberately, Marjorie taking her seat beside Fidge on the same
+fish.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo cut a strange figure, and looked very nervous at first, as he
+clung to the slippery back of his strange steed.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to feel at ease after a time, however, and when the children
+had bade their kind little friend, the thin fish, &#8220;Good-by,&#8221; the party
+started off at a fine pace.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By the bye, have you any idea where we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_89" id="pg_89">89</a></span> going to?&#8221; remarked the
+Dodo, after they had been rushing along for some time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious, no!&#8221; exclaimed Dick. &#8220;I thought you were directing us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I haven&#8217;t the remotest idea where we are,&#8221; said the Dodo, coolly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, then, we&#8217;re lost!&#8221; cried Marjorie, in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mother told me,&#8221; said Fidge, solemnly, &#8220;that if I ever got lost, I was
+to ask a policeman to take me home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width:252px">
+<a name="illus-022" id="illus-022"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00096.jpg" alt="&#34;At the entrance was a large walrus smoking.&#34;" title="" width="252" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;At the entrance was a large walrus smoking.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but I&#8217;m afraid there are no policemen about here,&#8221; laughed the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What we had better do,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;is to<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_90" id="pg_90">90</a></span> push on till we come to land
+somewhere, or a ship, and inquire the way back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was thought to be the best plan to pursue, and the children hurried
+along till Marjorie noticed that both the air and the water were growing
+fresher every moment, and she was just beginning to wonder what they
+were going to do if it grew much colder, when Dick cried out, in quite a
+nautical style&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Land on the larboard side!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hooroy!&#8221; shouted the others, &#8220;now we shall find out where we are,&#8221; and
+they headed the Dolphins to where they could see a rough kind of
+landing-stage.</p>
+
+<p>The country looked very bleak and bare, but a little hut was visible a
+short distance from the shore, and the children, having fastened up the
+Dolphins to one of the wooden piles, assisted the Dodo to alight, and
+made their way towards it.</p>
+
+<p>At the entrance they saw a large Walrus with a pipe in his mouth, and on
+the ground beside him an Esquimaux dog, also smoking.</p>
+
+<p>Dick and the others hurried forward, and bowed politely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_91" id="pg_91">91</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Wie geths?</i>&#8221; said the Walrus, taking the pipe from his mouth, and
+immediately putting it back again, while the little dog glanced at them
+inquisitively out of the corners of his eyes.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_92" id="pg_92">92</a></span>
+<a name="AT_THE_NORTH_POLE_2042" id="AT_THE_NORTH_POLE_2042"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+<h3>AT THE NORTH POLE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What does he mean?&#8221; asked Marjorie, staring blankly at her brother.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; confessed Dick. &#8220;I beg your pardon,&#8221; he went on,
+addressing the Walrus, &#8220;but I didn&#8217;t quite hear what you said.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Sprechen sie Deutsch?</i>&#8221; inquired the Walrus, with an encouraging
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t tell what the chap is talking about,&#8221; said Dick, turning to the
+others in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dond&#8221;t you undershtandt German, eh?&#8221; said the Walrus. &#8220;Ach! dat vos
+verry bad,&#8221; and he shook his head reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; argued Dick. &#8220;I can&#8217;t see that it matters much. We are
+not likely to go there, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not?&#8221; said the Walrus, lifting his eyebrows. &#8220;Vell, dere vos some funny
+peoples in der vorld. Perhaps you dond&#8221;t <i>vant</i> to go dere?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_93" id="pg_93">93</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not much,&#8221; admitted Dick.</p>
+
+<p>The Walrus shrugged his shoulders, and looked commiseratingly at the
+dog, who gave a sniff, and shrugged his shoulders too.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What we want to know,&#8221; said Dick, in a businesslike way, &#8220;is, Where are
+we now, and how are we to get back to England?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Vell, you vas in Germany now,&#8221; said the Walrus.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Germany!&#8221; exclaimed the children, in surprise. &#8220;Why, we&#8217;re quite near
+to England, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Walrus, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we must be,&#8221; persisted Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; repeated the Walrus. &#8220;Dis is not der Germany you mean, but id is
+Germany all der same&mdash;most of der vorld is Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What nonsense!&#8221; laughed Dick. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure it isn&#8217;t. Why, there&#8217;s heaps of
+places besides Germany. There&#8217;s&mdash;er&mdash;Africa, for instance&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thadt&#8217;s Germany!&#8221; said the Walrus, nodding violently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Africa is?&#8221; cried Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_94" id="pg_94">94</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yah! das is so,&#8221; said the Walrus. &#8220;Africa, und China, und alle der
+blaces&mdash;dey is all Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The chap is evidently a little wrong in the head,&#8221; explained Dick to
+the others in a whisper. &#8220;Never mind; don&#8217;t take any notice. Well, to
+come to the point, <i>can</i> you direct us home again, that is the
+question?&#8221; he asked, aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Walrus, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Or to the Equator?&#8221; suggested the Dodo, smoothing out his gloves.</p>
+
+<p>The Walrus stared for a moment, and then, pointing to the Dodo with the
+stem of his pipe, inquired, &#8220;Vat is dat ting?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo drew himself up to his full height, and gave him a withering
+look. &#8220;How dare you?&#8221; he cried.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Vell, vat <i>is</i> id, anyhow?&#8221; chuckled the Walrus. &#8220;I never saw
+somethings like id before, never!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course not,&#8221; said the Dodo, with dignity, &#8220;Our family have been
+extinct for some time.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_95" id="pg_95">95</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:356px">
+<a name="illus-023" id="illus-023"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00102.jpg" alt="When the children got into the clumsy fur garments, they found them exceedingly comfortable.&mdash;Page 95. Dick, Marjorie and Fidge." title="" width="356" /><br />
+<span class="caption">When the children got into the clumsy fur garments, they found them exceedingly comfortable.&mdash;Page&nbsp;95. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Dick,&nbsp;Marjorie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fidge.</i></span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Vell, und vy didn&#8217;t you keep so?&#8221; asked the Walrus. &#8220;It vas der best
+ting vat you could do. Dere is no goot for such tings like you to be
+aboudt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come along,&#8221; said the Dodo, turning to the others; &#8220;let&#8217;s go. I was
+never so insulted in all my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ach! don&#8217;t ged in a demper,&#8221; said the Walrus, complacently. &#8220;Dat is no
+goot also. Come, I show you der vay to der Equador&mdash;dat is Germany,
+too,&#8221; he added, in parenthesis. &#8220;Bud you must haf some glothes first to
+vare,&#8221; he cried, looking at the children&#8217;s scanty garments. &#8220;Id is so
+gold dere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Cold at the Equator?&#8221; laughed Marjorie. &#8220;Why, I always thought that it
+was very hot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ach! dat is so,&#8221; said the Walrus. &#8220;But id is der gedding dere dat is so
+gold. Come, I gif you some oudtfids,&#8221; and he led the way into the little
+hut, which was hung all around with clumsy-looking fur garments, which,
+however, when they had got into them, the children found to be
+exceedingly comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the clothes, there were all kinds of stores piled up around the
+inside of the hut,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_96" id="pg_96">96</a></span> and a quantity of snowshoes of various shapes, and
+little sleds, like those which Dick remembered having seen in pictures
+of Polar expeditions.</p>
+
+<p>When the children had been accommodated with some garments, the Walrus
+turned to the Dodo, and said, &#8220;Veil, now, I egspecdt dat you vant some
+glothes, too, dond&#8221;t id?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, thank you,&#8221; said the Dodo, proudly, settling his necktie and
+folding his wings primly. &#8220;I have my gloves; they are quite
+sufficient.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bud you haven&#8217;t any ting on your body,&#8221; said the Walrus. &#8220;You bedder
+haf some glothes, eh?&#8221; and he kindly brought forth some very large
+leather breeches, which the Dodo, after some hesitation, consented to
+put on.</p>
+
+<p>Next the Walrus took down a rough, hairy coat, with mittens attached to
+the sleeves.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gom, put your arms in dis,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and trow avay dose gloves you got
+on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; cried the Dodo, &#8220;take off my gloves? Never!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And he wouldn&#8217;t either; but put his wings<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_97" id="pg_97">97</a></span> (such as he had) into the
+coat sleeves with the gloves still on the end of them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:357px">
+<a name="illus-024" id="illus-024"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00106.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;What&#39; cried the Dodo, &#39;take off my gloves? Never!&#39;&#34;" title="" width="357" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;What&#39; cried the Dodo, &#39;take off my gloves? Never!&#39;&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now you musdt haf some stores,&#8221; said the Walrus, going to the cupboard,
+and bringing out some tins of sardines, some jam, and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_98" id="pg_98">98</a></span> things,
+which he carefully tied on to the sled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now ve are ready to stardt,&#8221; he said, when these preparations were
+completed; and after harnessing the little dog to the sled the party
+made a move.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I haven&#8217;t the least idea where we are going to,&#8221; said Dick, as they
+walked along; &#8220;have you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not the slightest,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;I don&#8217;t suppose it matters much,
+though, as long as we get somewhere or another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old Walrus was trudging along in front, leading Fidge (who seemed to
+have taken a violent fancy to him) by the hand; presently he stopped in
+front of a big round hole, and waited for the others to catch up to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here ve are,&#8221; he said, pointing to the enormous hole, which looked like
+the crater of an extinct volcano lined with ice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever is that?&#8221; asked Marjorie, peering over the edge curiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Der North Bole,&#8221; said the Walrus. &#8220;Id vas German, too,&#8221; he added,
+emphatically.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_99" id="pg_99">99</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The North Pole!&#8221; exclaimed the children. &#8220;Why, there isn&#8217;t any pole at
+all!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Walrus, &#8220;das is so, id vas meldted all avay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:344px">
+<a name="illus-025" id="illus-025"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00108.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Well, good-bye,&#39; said Dick.&#34;" title="" width="344" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Well, good-bye,&#39; said Dick.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious!&#8221; cried Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yah! id vas mit der lightning struck, und<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_100" id="pg_100">100</a></span> meldted all avay, und made a
+big hole in der ground all der vay trough der earth to der Equador. Id
+vas made in Germany, dat pole,&#8221; he added.</p>
+
+<p>The children gazed with wondering eyes into the deep, dark hole, and
+Marjorie clung to Dick&#8217;s arm nervously. &#8220;How wonderful!&#8221; she exclaimed;
+&#8220;but I&#8217;m glad we&#8217;ve seen where it was, aren&#8217;t you, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Dick was thinking deeply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you sure it went right through to the Equator?&#8221; he asked of the
+Walrus.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yah!&#8221; said that worthy, &#8220;for sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then if we slid through, we should come out at the other end?&#8221; said
+Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yah! das is so,&#8221; said the Walrus, nodding violently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, then, I think we&#8217;ll do it,&#8221; said Dick, boldly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Dick!&#8221; cried Marjorie, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, why not?&#8221; said Dick, for, really, so many strange things had
+happened that nothing seemed impossible to him now. &#8220;It would be rather
+jolly to see what it&#8217;s like at the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_101" id="pg_101">101</a></span> end, and it&#8217;s no use stopping
+here. Do you know your way from the Equator?&#8221; he added, turning to the
+Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said the bird, who was quite ready to start on the perilous
+voyage, and, grasping Fidge by the hand, he gave a loud whoop, and began
+to slide down the steep incline.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, good-by,&#8221; cried Dick, hurriedly, shaking hands with the Walrus.
+&#8220;Thanks for all your kindness.&#8221; And, jumping on the sled behind
+Marjorie, he pushed off, and they shot over the edge after the others.</p>
+
+<p>They just caught a glimpse of the little dog throwing up his arms in
+surprise, and as they disappeared into space they heard the old Walrus
+crying, in an anxious voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gom back! gom back! I forgot to tell you somedings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_102" id="pg_102">102</a></span>
+<a name="SOME_NEW_ACQUAINTANCES_2263" id="SOME_NEW_ACQUAINTANCES_2263"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+<h3>SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>It was all very well for the Walrus to shout &#8220;Come back!&#8221; but <i>that</i> was
+a matter of utter impossibility, for down&mdash;and down&mdash;and down the
+children sped at a terrific rate, so quickly indeed that after a moment
+or two they must have lost their senses completely, for not one of them
+could remember anything about the marvelous journey through the center
+of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seemed,&#8221; Dick explained afterwards, &#8220;as though we were falling
+through a big black hole for hours and hours, and then, all of a sudden,
+it was light again, and we shot out into the air at the other end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children were greatly relieved to find that they were not expected
+to walk on their heads, as they had vaguely feared might have been the
+case on the other side of the world. &#8220;But, of course,&#8221; Marjorie
+explained, &#8220;we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_103" id="pg_103">103</a></span> not really <i>quite</i> on the other side, or we should
+be at the South Pole, and that would be as cold as where we came from,
+wouldn&#8217;t it, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose so,&#8221; answered Dick, looking about him. &#8220;Well, this place is
+hot enough, anyhow, whew!&#8221; and he unbuttoned the heavy fur coat which he
+had been glad enough to put on a short time before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are probably somewhere near the Equator,&#8221; remarked the Dodo,
+pointing to the palms and other tropical plants to be seen on every
+side. &#8220;I&#8217;ve heard that this sort of thing grows there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case we have only to find out where the sea is, and wait on the
+shore for a passing ship to come and take us back to England,&#8221; said
+Marjorie, who was as fond as her brother of reading books of adventure,
+and so knew exactly what to expect under the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Fidge had divested himself of his snowshoes and heavy Arctic outfit, and
+was eagerly chasing some gaudy butterflies which were flitting about
+amongst the bright tropical flowers, and the others, feeling the heat
+very oppressive, were<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_104" id="pg_104">104</a></span> glad to follow his example, and get rid of their
+cumbersome clothing. Marjorie made a neat little bundle of them, and hid
+them behind a big stone, and then, calling Fidge to them, the party set
+out to explore the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>They had not gone far before they heard a voice crying out in a
+peremptory way&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then! move on, there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo was highly indignant at being addressed in this unceremonious
+way, particularly as he once more displayed his white kid gloves and his
+bright necktie, and consequently, imagined that he presented a dignified
+and imposing appearance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who&#8217;s that?&#8221; he cried, looking about him angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then, move on! Do you hear?&#8221; cried the voice again.</p>
+
+<p>The children stared to the right and left, in front of them, and behind
+them, but no one was in sight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s very strange!&#8221; exclaimed Dick. &#8220;Whoever can it be?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_105" id="pg_105">105</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Will</i> you move on, there?&#8221; shouted the voice, louder than ever, and,
+looking up into the trees, the children saw a huge green parrot, with a
+red tail, hanging down from one of the branches by one claw, while he
+shook the other at them menacingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bah! it&#8217;s only a parrot,&#8221; said the Dodo, in a contemptuous voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; screamed the bird; &#8220;only a parrot, indeed. Who are you, I should
+like to know?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re tourists,&#8221; said the Dodo, importantly. &#8220;These&mdash;ahem&mdash;gentlemen,
+and this lady and myself, are on our way to visit the Ichthyosaurus,
+while you are merely a common or garden parrot, and not at all fit and
+proper person for us to be seen talking to. Come along,&#8221; he added to the
+others, grandly, and started to walk off with his beak in the air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hoity, toity! Not so fast,&#8221; said the parrot. &#8220;I&#8217;ve no doubt you think
+yourself very grand with your kid gloves and your consequential airs;
+but allow me to inform you that <i>I</i> am some one of consequence in these
+parts, too. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_106" id="pg_106">106</a></span> am a police officer, and regulate the traffic, so move
+on, there, and don&#8217;t block the way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; cried Marjorie, &#8220;if this&mdash;er&mdash;&#8221; (she was going to say &#8220;bird,&#8221; but
+thought perhaps the parrot might be offended, and she certainly couldn&#8217;t
+say &#8220;gentleman,&#8221; so she got out of it this way)&mdash;&#8220;if this is a police
+officer, perhaps he could be kind enough to direct us to where the
+steamboats start for England.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I daresay I <i>could</i> if I wanted to,&#8221; said the parrot, ungraciously,
+&#8220;but I don&#8217;t choose. Move on! You are stopping the traffic.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What nonsense! you ridiculous bird; there is not any traffic,&#8221; said
+Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! isn&#8217;t there? A lot <i>you</i> know about it,&#8221; replied the parrot.
+&#8220;There&#8217;s a vehicle coming along this way now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children turned around, and, sure enough, there was a something
+coming down the road, though what it was the children couldn&#8217;t determine
+till it came a little closer. They waited and waited, but it scarcely
+seemed to move at all, and, at last, Dick, whose curiosity was greatly
+aroused, proposed going to meet it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_107" id="pg_107">107</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s go and fetch the clothes the Walrus gave us first,&#8221; suggested
+Marjorie, wisely, and so they ran off to the rock behind which they had
+hidden them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:366px">
+<a name="illus-026" id="illus-026"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00116.jpg" alt="&#34;The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them somewhat.&#34;" title="" width="366" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them somewhat.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>To their great surprise, they found a party of apes and monkeys calmly
+trying the things on, and apparently enjoying themselves very much
+indeed. The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them considerably, however, and
+they were undecided<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_108" id="pg_108">108</a></span> whether to regard them as musical instruments or a
+novel form of headgear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hi! Just you put those clothes down at once!&#8221; shouted Dick. &#8220;How dare
+you interfere with our things!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re not yours,&#8221; said one of the monkeys. &#8220;Findings keepings. We
+found them, and so they are ours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed they are not. Give them back at once!&#8221; demanded Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shan&#8217;t!&#8221; screamed the monkeys, impudently, and, scampering up into the
+trees beyond the children&#8217;s reach, they made grimaces at them, and
+openly defied them. Indeed, one of them went so far as to climb up into
+a cocoanut palm and began pelting the children with the nuts.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, none of them reached the mark, however, and the children,
+hastily gathered one or two of the cocoanuts, abandoned the clothes,
+which, really, were not of much value to them now, and fled.</p>
+
+<p>This little incident had almost driven from their mind the recollection
+of the vehicle which they had seen in the high-road, but a rumbling<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_109" id="pg_109">109</a></span>
+sound, as they neared the place where they had last seen it, reminded
+them of the fact, and they hurried up to the spot from whence the sounds
+proceeded.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:368px">
+<a name="illus-027" id="illus-027"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00118.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;I shall get very angry in a minute,&#39; said the Dodo.&#34;" title="" width="368" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;I shall get very angry in a minute,&#39; said the Dodo.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>To their great astonishment, they found a clumsy-looking cart, somewhat
+resembling the pictures which they had seen of the old Roman chariots,
+to the shafts of which a sleepy-looking sloth-bear was attached.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ha! ha! what a funny horse,&#8221; laughed Fidge. &#8220;It is a horse, isn&#8217;t it,
+Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;I don&#8217;t think so.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_110" id="pg_110">110</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Horse! no, indeed,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;It&#8217;s a kind of camel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I ain&#8217;t,&#8221; said the sloth-bear, with a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You shouldn&#8217;t say &#8216;ain&#8217;t,&#8217;&#8221; said the Dodo, rebukingly. &#8220;What are you,
+then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, the creature had gone to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wake up! wake up!&#8221; cried the Dodo, shaking him violently. &#8220;The idea of
+dropping off to sleep when any one is talking to you!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought you were going to preach,&#8221; explained the sloth-bear. &#8220;You
+began talking about something that I shouldn&#8217;t do or say, and I always
+go to sleep when people talk to me like that&mdash;it&#8217;s so stupid of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where are you going to?&#8221; asked the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;Where are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We want to get to the place where the steamers start for England,&#8221;
+explained Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Jump in, then,&#8221; said the sloth-bear, jerking his head in the direction
+of the cart; and the children, highly delighted at the prospect of a
+ride, all scrambled in.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_111" id="pg_111">111</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Dick took the reins, and Marjorie made herself comfortable beside him,
+while Fidge dangled his legs over the back of the &#8220;chariot,&#8221; the Dodo
+solemnly squatting down at his side, with his gloves carefully
+displayed, and his necktie properly adjusted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then,&#8221; said Dick, shaking the reins, &#8220;we are ready to start. Go on,
+please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, and it transpired that the creature was asleep
+again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious!&#8221; said the Dodo, impatiently, &#8220;we shall never get
+anywhere at this rate. I say, do wake up,&#8221; he cried, going up to the
+sloth-bear and giving him a good shake.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! are you ready?&#8221; said that individual, waking up slowly. &#8220;Come on,
+then!&#8221; and he took two or three steps forward, and then stopped to rest,
+his eyes gradually closing, and his head beginning to sink.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, come!&#8221; said the Dodo, getting in front of him, grasping the
+reins, and pulling with all his might. &#8220;I shall get very angry with you
+in a minute. It&#8217;s perfectly ridiculous going on in this way; however do
+you imagine<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_112" id="pg_112">112</a></span> we are to get to our destination if you waste time in this
+manner?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The answer was a loud snore from the sloth-bear, who had once more
+fallen into a deep sleep.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_113" id="pg_113">113</a></span>
+<a name="THE_SKIPPER_OF_THE_ARGONAUT_2479" id="THE_SKIPPER_OF_THE_ARGONAUT_2479"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+<h3>THE SKIPPER OF THE ARGONAUT.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, of all the stupid creatures,&#8221; said the Dodo, &#8220;I think that this
+is the most remarkable. Here, I say! Wake up, will you!&#8221; and he gave the
+reins another sharp pull.</p>
+
+<p>The sloth-bear blinked his eyes, sleepily, and muttered, &#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, aren&#8217;t you going to make a start?&#8221; inquired the Dodo, angrily;
+&#8220;how do you suppose we shall ever get to our destination if you go on
+like this?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sloth-bear, after staring vacantly awhile slowly shook his head.
+&#8220;Speed not to exceed quarter of a mile an hour, them&#8217;s my orders,&#8221; he
+said, &#8220;and four times nine is&mdash;er&mdash;ninety-nine, so you&#8217;ll get there
+about next Thursday week. Y&mdash;ah&mdash;a&mdash;a&mdash;ow,&#8221; and he gave another
+tremendous yawn, as his head sank between his knees again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious! what&#8217;s to be done?&#8221; said<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_114" id="pg_114">114</a></span> Dick, getting down from the
+chariot. &#8220;It&#8217;s not the slightest use our trying to go anywhere in this
+thing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What did he mean by saying four times nine were ninety-nine? They
+ain&#8217;t,&#8221; said Fidge, &#8220;&#8221;cos I know my &#8221;four times,&#8221; and four nines are
+thirty-six.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps it was something to do with the number of miles we shall have
+to travel before we reach the place where the ships start from,&#8221;
+suggested Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wake him up again, will you, please?&#8221; she said, turning to the Dodo.
+&#8220;Perhaps he will tell us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said the Dodo, &#8220;I&#8217;ll wake him up. Here!&#8221; he cried, going up
+to the sloth-bear, and giving him a good shake. &#8220;Wake up! Wake up!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The creature slowly lifted his head, and, staring reproachfully at the
+Dodo, began to cry. &#8220;Boo&mdash;hoo&mdash;hoo! Boo&mdash;hoo&mdash;hoo!&#8221; he sobbed. &#8220;It&#8217;s a
+shame, it is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter now, cry-baby?&#8221; asked the Dodo.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_115" id="pg_115">115</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why can&#8217;t you let me alone?&#8221; whined the sloth-bear. &#8220;I&#8217;ve never done
+nothing to you, have I? Why can&#8217;t you let a poor beast sleep in peace?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, for goodness&#8217; sake let the lazy old thing go to sleep if it wants
+to,&#8221; said Dick, impatiently, while tender-hearted Marjorie went up to
+the creature and stroked and comforted it as best she could.</p>
+
+<p>Her pity was wasted, however, for almost before the last words were out
+of its mouth the sloth-bear was snoring peacefully with a contented
+smirk on its face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come on,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;let&#8217;s try and find the way ourselves. Oh! I
+know,&#8221; he exclaimed; &#8220;of course, why we&#8217;ve forgotten all about the power
+we have of floating in the air; we&#8217;ll rise up above the trees, and then
+we shall soon see where the sea is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>No sooner said than done. The children just expressed the wish, and, as
+the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s Ambassador had promised them, they found that
+they had the power of rising at will.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Jolly, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said Dick, as they floated<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_116" id="pg_116">116</a></span> upwards, leaving the Dodo
+gazing after them enviously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Like being in a b&#8221;loon,&#8221; chuckled Fidge, clutching at the leaves of a
+tree as he passed through them. Fidge never would pronounce balloon
+properly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! look!&#8221; cried Marjorie, as they passed above the trees, &#8220;there&#8217;s the
+sea over there, and some houses, and people on the beach. I can see them
+quite distinctly. Oh, jolly, we can soon fly over there; come on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What about the Dodo?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, of course. I&#8217;d forgotten him. Let&#8217;s see, he can&#8217;t fly, can he?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Judging by the exhibition he made of himself when we first saw him, I
+should say not,&#8221; laughed Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, perhaps we could carry him between us,&#8221; suggested Marjorie, &#8220;he
+doesn&#8217;t look <i>very</i> heavy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, let&#8217;s try,&#8221; said her brother, and, having made quite sure of
+the direction in which the sea lay, they slowly descended to the ground
+again.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_117" id="pg_117">117</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Find out what you wanted to?&#8221; asked the Dodo, who had taken off his
+gloves, and was blowing into them to take out the creases.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;there are a few houses by the side of the sea about
+two miles to the left; do you think you could manage to fly as far as
+that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo smiled in a sickly sort of way. &#8220;I&#8217;m a little out of practise,&#8221;
+he faltered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, do you think that if we each took hold of one of
+your&mdash;ahem&mdash;wings, we could get along that way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You wouldn&#8217;t crush my gloves?&#8221; asked the Dodo, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you could take them off, you know,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;and put them in
+your p&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; (he was going to say pocket, but suddenly remembered that
+the Dodo hadn&#8217;t one)&mdash;&#8220;in my pocket till we get there, if you like,&#8221; he
+added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; cried the Dodo, indignantly, &#8220;travel without my gloves! Never!
+It wouldn&#8217;t be respectable. I shouldn&#8217;t think of doing such a thing!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, well, come, on then; let&#8217;s try this way,&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_118" id="pg_118">118</a></span> said Dick, putting his
+arm under one of the Dodo&#8217;s wings, while Marjorie did the same to the
+other. &#8220;Now then&mdash;one&mdash;two&mdash;three.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, very slowly, the children rose, for the Dodo was rather heavy
+after all, as he dangled down clumsily and uncomfortably between them.</p>
+
+<p>I think they would have managed, however, but just as they had reached
+the lower branches of the trees, they heard a voice scream furiously&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Now</i>, then, what are you up to?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In their agitation they let go of the Dodo, who, after making several
+frantic efforts to support himself, fell to the ground with a dull thud.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you up to, I say?&#8221; said the voice again, and the children
+could see that the parrot, who had been so insolent to them before, was
+sitting on one of the branches near them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pretty objects you are making of yourselves, I must say,&#8221; he remarked,
+sneeringly. &#8220;What do you think you are doing, I should like to know?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_119" id="pg_119">119</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see what it has to do with you,&#8221; said Dick, crossly, while the
+Dodo, with his eyes shut and his head on one side, ran about rubbing his
+back with one pinion, and crying, &#8220;Oh! oh! oh!&#8221; for he had evidently
+hurt himself very much.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t, do you?&#8221; said the parrot. &#8220;Well, then, it has a great deal
+to do with me. Trying to fly, weren&#8217;t you? Well, you are not birds, and
+it isn&#8217;t allowed; do you hear? The idea of mere human creatures aping
+their betters in that way. Flying, indeed! Don&#8217;t you let me catch you at
+it again, or you will be sorry for it, I can tell you. Now move on, and
+walk on your feet in a sensible way, like rational human beings. Go
+along! What next, I wonder!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He was evidently so very angry that the children thought it best not to
+provoke him further, so, leading the Dodo, who hobbled along painfully,
+they walked silently away in the direction of the sea, while the parrot
+watched them with a severe expression, screaming out&mdash;&#8220;Move on! move
+on!&#8221; every time they stopped.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_120" id="pg_120">120</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a disagreeable bird,&#8221; whispered Marjorie, when they had gone some
+little distance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wretch!&#8221; declared the Dodo, rubbing his back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For two pins I&#8217;d wring his neck,&#8221; muttered Dick, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Much obliged, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; said a mocking voice overhead, and there was
+that wretched parrot, looking down from one of the upper branches.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Listeners never hear any good of themselves,&#8221; remarked the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh!&mdash;as though I cared what <i>you</i> thought about me,&#8221; said the parrot.
+&#8220;Why, if I liked, I could&mdash;oh!&#8221; he cried, looking off to the left, &#8220;the
+Skipper,&#8221; and, spreading his wings, he flew rapidly away with every sign
+of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The children followed his glance, and saw coming towards them a very
+stout, very jolly-looking sailor, with a red, hearty face and a jovial
+smile. To their great surprise, they saw that he was using a
+skipping-rope, and skipping towards them, smiling good-naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank goodness, here&#8217;s a man at last,&#8221; said<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_121" id="pg_121">121</a></span> Dick. &#8220;Now we shall be
+able to find out something as to where we are, and how we are to get
+home again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ship ahoy!&#8221; called out the sailor, when he first saw them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:308px">
+<a name="illus-028" id="illus-028"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00130.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;They calls me a skipper,&#39; said he, &#39;because I skips.&#39;&#34;" title="" width="308" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;They calls me a skipper,&#39; said he, &#39;because I skips.&#39;&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do you do?&#8221; said Dick, politely offering his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop a bit, my hearty,&#8221; said the sailor. &#8220;Salt!&#8221; and he began skipping
+rather quickly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_122" id="pg_122">122</a></span> &#8220;Pepper!!&#8221; and he quickened the pace considerably.
+&#8220;Mustard!!!&#8221; and the rope flew round so quickly that the children could
+hardly see it, while the jolly fat sailor skipped up and down furiously.
+Presently he stopped, and sank exhausted on a stone, puffing and blowing
+with all his might.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m a Skipper,&#8221; he panted, in an explanatory tone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A Skipper!&#8221; exclaimed the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, they calls me a Skipper,&#8221; said he, &#8220;because I skips.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I thought a Skipper was a kind of Captain or something,&#8221; said
+Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quite right, my little dear; I&#8217;m Captain of the tidiest craft ye ever
+set eyes on. She&#8217;s lying out yonder. Will ye come and have a look at
+her?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, please,&#8221; said Dick, delightedly; &#8220;and perhaps you can tell us
+the way to get to England?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To be sure I can,&#8221; said the Skipper. &#8220;There are my men,&#8221; he said,
+proudly, as they came to an open space, where a dozen or more<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_123" id="pg_123">123</a></span> sailors,
+of all ages, sat at spinning wheels, working industriously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever are they doing?&#8221; inquired Marjorie, curiously.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:368px">
+<a name="illus-029" id="illus-029"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00132.jpg" alt="&#34;Each sailor was spinning a yarn.&#34;" title="" width="368" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Each sailor was spinning a yarn.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Spinning yarns,&#8221; explained the Skipper; &#8220;each sailor is spinning a
+yarn&mdash;they always do that in their spare time, you know. Here, Bill,&#8221; he
+called out to one of the sailors, who answered, &#8220;Aye, aye, Sir,&#8221; and
+touched his forelock. &#8220;Bring some of your yarn here, and show this young
+lady.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man said, &#8220;Aye, aye, Sir,&#8221; again, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_124" id="pg_124">124</a></span> came forward with some coarse
+brown worsted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This,&#8221; said the Skipper, &#8220;is the toughest yarn you will find anywhere.
+We are celebrated for it here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_125" id="pg_125">125</a></span>
+<a name="THE_ARCHAEligOPTERYX_2717" id="THE_ARCHAEligOPTERYX_2717"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+<h3>THE ARCH&AElig;OPTERYX.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we always thought&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began Marjorie&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That when people spoke of a sailor &#8221;spinning a yarn,&#8221; they meant
+telling a story,&#8221; finished Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! oh! how <i>could</i> you think such a thing,&#8221; said the sailors,
+indignantly. &#8220;Sailors always tell the truth; don&#8217;t they, Skipper?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Skipper winked at Dick with one eye, and answered, guardedly, &#8220;Ahem!
+I <i>have</i> heard a sailor speak the truth, certainly, but&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s change the subject,&#8221; said the sailors, getting up from their
+wheels. &#8220;Isn&#8217;t it nearly time for us to be starting on another voyage?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When we get some passengers, it will be,&#8221; responded the Skipper,
+gruffly. &#8220;By-the-bye,&#8221; he added, turning to the children; &#8220;<i>you</i> want to
+go somewhere or another, don&#8217;t you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, to England,&#8221; said Dick, eagerly. &#8220;Do you go there, please?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_126" id="pg_126">126</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! Never heard of the place as I knows of,&#8221; said the Skipper,
+scratching his head. &#8220;We might cruise about till we come across it, if
+you like, though.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never heard of England!&#8221; exclaimed Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Skipper, unconcernedly. &#8220;I never had no time to study
+goggerfy, I didn&#8217;t, so there&#8217;s lots of places I don&#8217;t know, no more than
+the Man in the Moon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But don&#8217;t you find it very awkward?&#8221; cried the children; &#8220;however do
+you know how to go from one place to another?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said the Skipper, laughing; &#8220;that&#8217;s just the fun of the
+thing. We get into our ship, and just go on and on till we come to
+somewhere or another, and then we land, you know. It&#8217;s much the best
+way, and saves such a lot of bother.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid we should be a long while reaching England that way,&#8221;
+remarked Dick, dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said the Skipper, &#8220;we might drop across it the first
+time, you know. You see, it&#8217;s not much use knowing in which<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_127" id="pg_127">127</a></span> direction
+it lies, because, once you get out to sea, there are no roads and
+things, so one way is as good as another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But don&#8217;t you use a compass?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that, Miss?&#8221; asked the Skipper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, a little thing that always points to the North,&#8221; said Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Blessed if I know, Miss,&#8221; said the Skipper, good-naturedly. &#8220;Here,
+Bill,&#8221; he called to one of the sailors, &#8220;do we use a little thing that
+always points to the North?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not as I knows on,&#8221; answered the man, sulkily. &#8220;We ain&#8217;t got none of
+them newfangled things, and don&#8217;t want &#8217;em.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear me, what a very odd ship yours must be,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Is it a
+steamer, or a sailing vessel, please?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, it&#8217;s partly a sailing vessel and partly a rowing boat,&#8221; said the
+Skipper. &#8220;She&#8217;s a very fine ship,&#8221; he added, proudly, &#8220;come and have a
+look at her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children followed him to a kind of rough harbor, where a most
+extraordinary craft was<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_128" id="pg_128">128</a></span> moored. She looked very like a picture which
+all the children remembered having seen in an old book at home, and
+although there was a small sail, a number of gaily-painted paddles
+sticking through the side of the huge boat, showed that, as the Skipper
+had said, rowing played a very important part in moving it along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a dear old-fashioned thing,&#8221; exclaimed Marjorie, directly she saw
+it.</p>
+
+<p>The Skipper looked rather hurt. &#8220;It isn&#8217;t more than a thousand years
+old,&#8221; he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, that&#8217;s an awful long time for a ship to last, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said
+Marjorie, pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our family is much older than that,&#8221; chimed in the Dodo,
+consequentially. &#8220;We date back to&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, please don&#8217;t go into ancient history,&#8221; said the Skipper, &#8220;I can&#8217;t
+bear it; it reminds me so of my younger days, when I was first learning
+to skip.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What <i>do</i> you mean?&#8221; asked the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, when I was a little boy, you know,&#8221; explained the Skipper, &#8220;I used
+to skip all the dry<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_129" id="pg_129">129</a></span> parts of a book&mdash;and the pages and pages I used to
+skip of my ancient history you&#8217;d never believe. It was that which
+decided my parents upon making me a Skipper. &#8221;He&#8217;ll never do for
+anything else,&#8221; they used to say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, are you going aboard or not?&#8221; he added, &#8220;because, if so, we ought
+to be starting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, let&#8217;s go,&#8221; pleaded Marjorie, &#8220;we might just as well be on
+board as at this place, you know, and we shall, at any rate, be going
+somewhere, and perhaps we shall find some one who knows the way to
+England on the sea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So the children and the Dodo went aboard, and the Skipper blew a little
+whistle, which he wore tied around his neck by a white cord, and the
+sailors all came running up, bringing their spinning wheels, which they
+packed away at the bow of the vessel, and then settled themselves down
+at the oars. At the other end was a cosy little cabin, and above it a
+small deck, upon which the little passengers made themselves quite
+comfortable, and the Captain ordered the scales to be brought up from
+below.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are they for?&#8221; asked Dick, who, boy-like,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_130" id="pg_130">130</a></span> always wanted to know
+the reason for everything.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To weigh the anchor with,&#8221; explained the Skipper, seriously. &#8220;We always
+have to weigh it when we start on a voyage, and again when we reach our
+journey&#8217;s end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What for?&#8221; asked Dick, who certainly remembered having heard the
+expression &#8220;weighing the anchor&#8221; before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; said the Skipper; &#8220;pack of nonsense, I
+calls it; but it&#8217;s the custom, and it&#8217;s got to be done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So the anchor was duly weighed, and the exact weight put down in a book,
+and the <i>Argosy</i>, as the ship was called, slowly moved out of the
+harbor.</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful day, but there was just a little breeze blowing, and
+the sea was a little &#8220;choppy&#8221; outside, and, as a consequence, the
+<i>Argosy</i> rolled a little.</p>
+
+<p>After they had been out at sea for about an hour, and the Skipper had
+been letting them take turns in looking through his telescope, the Dodo
+suddenly muttered something about having<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_131" id="pg_131">131</a></span> &#8220;forgotten his
+pocket-handkerchief,&#8221; and hurried down into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I didn&#8217;t know he had one,&#8221; said Marjorie, wonderingly.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:291px">
+<a name="illus-030" id="illus-030"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00140.jpg" alt="&#34;Hope you&#39;re feeling better, Sir.&#34;" title="" width="291" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Hope you&#39;re feeling better, Sir.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Skipper winked, and said in a whisper behind his hand, &#8220;They always
+say that; he&#8217;s gone to lie down, the motion of the boat has made him
+feel a little seasick.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo didn&#8217;t come up for a long while<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_132" id="pg_132">132</a></span> and at last the Skipper said
+he would go down and see if he wanted anything.</p>
+
+<p>He found the poor bird looking the picture of misery, lolling limply
+against the cushioned seat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hope you&#8217;re feeling better, Sir,&#8221; he said, respectfully, tugging at his
+forelock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! oh!&#8221; groaned the Dodo. &#8220;Do throw me overboard, and let me die.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense,&#8221; said the Skipper, cheerfully. &#8220;You&#8217;ll be all right in an
+hour or two.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no,&#8221; said the bird; &#8220;I shall never be well again. I have never,
+never felt so ill in all my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lie down, Sir, and I&#8217;ll cover you up with this rug,&#8221; said the Skipper,
+kindly; &#8220;you&#8217;ll be better presently.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t tell the others,&#8221; gasped the bird, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, Sir,&#8221; was the reply, and the Skipper went on deck again.</p>
+
+<p>The breeze was quite fresh still, and the children had climbed up into
+the &#8220;lookout,&#8221; and were pointing eagerly into the distance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_133" id="pg_133">133</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Land! over there!&#8221; shouted Dick, when he saw the Skipper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Ah! It&#8217;s an island,&#8221; said the Skipper. &#8220;I&#8217;ve been there before. The
+Arch&aelig;opteryx lives there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The what?&#8221; cried the children.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:358px">
+<a name="illus-031" id="illus-031"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00142.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Charmed to meet you,&#39; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.&#34;" title="" width="358" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Charmed to meet you,&#39; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Arch&aelig;opteryx,&#8221; repeated the Skipper. &#8220;It&#8217;s an awful name, isn&#8217;t
+it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is he?&#8221; demanded Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A kind of lizardish bird, or a birdish lizard, whichever you like,&#8221; was
+the reply. &#8220;He&#8217;s a great swell, I can tell you, and fancies himself
+immensely.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_134" id="pg_134">134</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The children were all eagerness to see this strange creature, and could
+scarcely wait until the ship reached the land.</p>
+
+<p>The Skipper went down and told the Dodo, who, directly he heard that
+they would meet the Arch&aelig;opteryx, made a great effort to pull himself
+together again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I mustn&#8217;t let him see me in this state,&#8221; he declared. &#8220;He is a distant
+relative of mine, and a person of great consequence. Do you think,&#8221; he
+continued, addressing the Skipper, &#8220;that you could clean up my gloves a
+little with some bread crumbs, they have become slightly soiled; and
+would you kindly rearrange my necktie?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>These necessary preparations completed, the Dodo staggered up on deck
+just as the <i>Argosy</i> reached the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The Arch&aelig;opteryx was waiting for them on the beach, and recognized the
+Dodo immediately.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Charmed to meet you again,&#8221; he said, hurrying forward to meet him, and
+raising his hat, with a polite bow. &#8220;Pray, introduce me to your
+friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_135" id="pg_135">135</a></span>
+<a name="THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUMS_BALLOON_2947" id="THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUMS_BALLOON_2947"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+<h3>THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM&#8221;S BALLOON.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Delighted to make your acquaintance,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx, when the
+necessary introductions had been made. &#8220;I&#8217;ve often wanted to meet some
+human beings; come and have luncheon with me. I&#8217;ve a couple of old
+friends staying here who will be delighted to see you.&#8221; So saying, he
+led the way to where two most extraordinary-looking creatures sat
+waiting at a table, which was set for seven people.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Both antediluvians,&#8221; whispered their host, &#8220;the Pal&aelig;otherium and the
+Eter&aelig;darium. Capital chaps, but crotchety.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fidge was a little alarmed at first, for they were really very ugly.
+They seemed quite amiable, however; and the Pal&aelig;otherium&mdash;his mouth full
+of banana&mdash;motioned them to seats at the table, and, turning to the
+Dodo, said, &#8220;Haven&#8217;t I seen you before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo smirked, and, smoothing his gloves,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_136" id="pg_136">136</a></span> said, in a self-conscious
+voice, &#8220;Very possibly we <i>may</i> have met before. I don&#8217;t remember you,
+but mine is a face which one is not likely to forget. Where did we meet,
+do you think?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m trying to remember,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, &#8220;it must have been
+several hundreds of years ago now, and my memory is getting so bad&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I once stayed with the Ichthyosaurus,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;It may have been
+there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, that must have been it,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium. &#8220;I met a curious
+lot of people there&mdash;very mixed lot of associates <i>he</i> had, to be sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ahem,&#8221; said the Dodo, indignantly. &#8220;I hope you don&#8217;t mean that I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My dear Sir,&#8221; replied the other, &#8220;I&#8217;m quite sure you are highly
+respectable; your gloves alone are a guarantee for that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; said the Dodo, looking quite happy again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know any riddles?&#8221; asked the Eter&aelig;darium, suddenly, addressing
+Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_137" id="pg_137">137</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let&#8217;s see,&#8221; said he, glad that the conversation had taken a turn which
+they could all understand. &#8220;I think I do know a few. Why is a robin like
+a waterbut?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First of all,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx, anxiously, &#8220;what is a robin, and
+who is a waterbut?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, a robin,&#8221; explained Marjorie, &#8220;is a dear little bird with a red
+breast that comes in the winter&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop! stop!&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, &#8220;one thing at a time. What is a
+bird?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I say! You <i>must</i> know what a bird is,&#8221; expostulated Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why&mdash;why&mdash;the Dodo is a bird,&#8221; explained Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but nothing like a robin, Dick, dear,&#8221; added Marjorie; &#8220;a robin is
+such a sweet, pretty little thing&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I never!&#8221; exclaimed the Dodo, &#8220;do you mean to say <i>I&#8217;m</i> not a
+pretty little thing?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you&#8217;re not <i>quite</i> like a robin, are you?&#8221; said Marjorie, getting
+out of the difficulty very cleverly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_138" id="pg_138">138</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not <i>quite</i>, perhaps,&#8221; admitted the Dodo; &#8220;but I <i>am</i> pretty,&#8221; he added
+decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see what all this has to do with my conundrum,&#8221; said Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, let&#8217;s try again,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx. &#8220;Why is a robin like a
+waterbut?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A robin is a bird that comes in the winter,&#8221; repeated the Eter&aelig;darium,
+&#8220;and the waterbut&mdash;is that also a bird?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no,&#8221; laughed Marjorie; &#8220;a waterbut is a tub for holding water.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can it fly?&#8221; asked the Eter&aelig;darium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course not!&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;who ever heard of such a thing?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, <i>is</i> it like a robin? That&#8217;s the point,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not in appearance,&#8221; admitted Dick. &#8220;Will you give it up?&#8221; he added,
+looking around the table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Give what up?&#8221; asked the creatures.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The conundrum,&#8221; replied Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I haven&#8217;t got it,&#8221; declared the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor have I.&#8221; &#8220;Nor I.&#8221; &#8220;Nor I,&#8221; said the others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_139" id="pg_139">139</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no! I mean, will you give the answer up?&#8221; said Dick, losing
+patience.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we haven&#8217;t it,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here, I&#8217;ll tell you what we&#8217;ll do,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium,
+generously: &#8220;I&#8217;ll give up the robin, and my friend here will give up the
+waterbut. There!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now <i>that&#8217;s</i> settled,&#8221; said the Dodo, conclusively, &#8220;<i>I&#8217;ll</i> ask you a
+conundrum. &#8221;If your wife&#8217;s aunt is&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop! stop!&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, &#8220;I haven&#8217;t got a wife, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium, &#8220;he hasn&#8217;t, and, if he had, she very likely
+would not have an aunt. Make it my wife&#8217;s aunt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;If <i>your</i> wife&#8217;s aunt is my brother&#8217;s son,
+what relation is Dick to Tom?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You haven&#8217;t asked it right,&#8221; said Dick, who knew a riddle something
+like that. &#8220;It&#8217;s &#8221;if this man&#8217;s father is that man&#8217;s son, what relation
+is Dick to Tom?&#8221;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wish you wouldn&#8217;t interfere,&#8221; said the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_140" id="pg_140">140</a></span> Dodo. &#8220;I tell you the
+question is right as I asked it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But your wife&#8217;s aunt couldn&#8217;t be anybody&#8217;s son,&#8221; said Marjorie, who was
+trying to puzzle it out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who said she <i>was</i>?&#8221; snapped the Dodo, crossly; &#8220;she is as likely to be
+anybody&#8217;s son as a robin is to be like a waterbut, and besides, I didn&#8217;t
+say she was; I said, if she was, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, let&#8217;s work it out,&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium, spreading out his
+fingers. &#8220;Let&#8217;s see, that&#8217;s my wife&#8217;s aunt,&#8221; he continued, pointing to
+his thumb, &#8220;and that&#8217;s my brother&#8217;s son,&#8221; he added, touching the next
+finger, &#8220;and the other two will do for Dick and Tom. Now&mdash;er&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who is the other finger?&#8221; interrupted the Dodo, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Me,&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, solemnly and ungrammatically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It isn&#8217;t,&#8221; declared the other.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is,&#8221; repeated the Pal&aelig;otherium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, very well! let it be so,&#8221; cried the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_141" id="pg_141">141</a></span> Arch&aelig;opteryx, impatiently.
+&#8220;What&#8217;s the answer, anyhow?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:370px">
+<a name="illus-032" id="illus-032"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00150.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Who is the other finger?&#39; interrupted the Dodo, anxiously.&#34;" title="" width="370" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Who is the other finger?&#39; interrupted the Dodo, anxiously.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium, staring at his fingers stupidly.
+&#8220;I don&#8217;t see what relation those two fingers are to the other two. Well,
+what relation <i>is</i> Dick to Tom?&#8221; he asked, turning to the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The same relation that the robin is to the waterbut,&#8221; said that bird,
+conclusively. &#8220;Come on, let&#8217;s get the Skipper to teach us how to dance a
+hornpipe,&#8221; and he led the way from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_142" id="pg_142">142</a></span> table, quite disregarding the
+fact that the others had not finished.</p>
+
+<p>The Skipper, who had been quite as puzzled as the others were by these
+extraordinary conundrums, willingly agreed, and, first of all, danced a
+hornpipe himself very successfully, and then did his best to teach the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, with his short legs and big body, very soon gave up trying,
+and, thoroughly worn out by the exertion, lay panting on the shingle,
+while the Eter&aelig;darium took his turn. He got along capitally, and the
+children laughed heartily at the queer capers which he cut.</p>
+
+<p>They were in the midst of the fun, when the Dodo suddenly jumped up,
+and, pointing excitedly up into the air, cried, &#8220;Look! Look! What&#8217;s
+that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They all looked in the direction which he indicated, and after a time
+discerned a tiny speck in the sky, which the Skipper declared, after
+watching some time, to be a balloon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s all red,&#8221; cried Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed the Dodo, trembling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_143" id="pg_143">143</a></span> &#8220;Red! Are you sure?&#8221; he
+inquired, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certain,&#8221; said Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;I can see it now; it&#8217;s quite red&mdash;a bright scarlet,
+in fact.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:367px">
+<a name="illus-033" id="illus-033"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00152.jpg" alt="&#34;The Eter&aelig;darium took his turn.&#34;" title="" width="367" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Eter&aelig;darium took his turn.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Little Panjandrum&#8217;s State Balloon!&#8221; gasped the Dodo, in a terrible
+fright. &#8220;Oh, my dear friends, hide me somewhere! If he finds me I&#8217;m done
+for! I&#8217;ve&mdash;got&mdash;his gloves on&mdash;oh! How could I have been so foolish as<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_144" id="pg_144">144</a></span>
+to have taken them&mdash;it&#8217;s all my pride&mdash;and now I shall have to suffer
+for it&mdash;oh!&mdash;oh!&#8221; And the Dodo, quite overcome with fear and anxiety,
+fell upon his knees and sobbed violently.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the state balloon belonging to His Importance the Little
+Panjandrum rapidly drew near.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_145" id="pg_145">145</a></span>
+<a name="THE_DUFF_AND_DEM_EXECUTIONER_3159" id="THE_DUFF_AND_DEM_EXECUTIONER_3159"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+<h3>THE DUFF AND DEM EXECUTIONER.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you see who&#8217;s in it?&#8221; asked the Dodo, anxiously, when the balloon
+had drawn a little nearer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Two gentlemen,&#8221; declared Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen. &#8220;And
+one is carrying such a funny stick, with a big hand at the top of it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And the other one has just put on a hideous black mask, and has a
+curious kind of pole with a sort of scythe at the end,&#8221; chimed in Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; screamed the Dodo, &#8220;a black mask! Then it&#8217;s the Lord High
+Executioner, and the other is the Court Glover. Oh dear! oh dear! what
+will become of me? I wish I&#8217;d never seen the wretched old gloves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The balloon by this time was almost directly overhead and was descending
+rapidly. Presently two ropes were thrown out, and a muffled voice cried,
+&#8220;Catch hold of these, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dick politely ran forward and hung on to<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_146" id="pg_146">146</a></span> one rope, while Marjorie and
+Fidge took the other.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:365px">
+<a name="illus-034" id="illus-034"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00155.jpg" alt="&#34;The Court Glover arrives.&#34;" title="" width="365" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Court Glover arrives.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The occupants of the balloon then lowered some wooden steps, and gravely
+descended, the Lord High Executioner leading the way.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_147" id="pg_147">147</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The balloon, lightened of its occupants, bounded upwards again, and the
+children (who had the greatest difficulty in hanging on to the ropes)
+called to the Arch&aelig;opteryx and the others to come to their aid. To their
+great surprise, however, they discovered that these creatures, taking
+the Dodo with them, quietly slipped away.</p>
+
+<p>The Court Glover and the Executioner helped the children to fasten the
+balloon to one of the large palm trees, and then the Court Glover,
+folding his arms, turned to them abruptly and inquired, &#8220;Where is he?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who do you mean, Sir?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Dodo,&#8221; was the response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! the Dodo! Why, he was here just now. I expect he has gone off with
+the Arch&aelig;opteryx and the others,&#8221; said Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The what!&#8221; exclaimed the Court Glover.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The er&mdash;Arch&aelig;opteryx,&#8221; said Dick, hesitatingly, fearing that he might
+have mispronounced the name.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! You see,&#8221; said the Court Glover, addressing the Executioner, &#8220;to
+what depths this<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_148" id="pg_148">148</a></span> misguided bird has fallen, to actually associate with
+an animal bearing a name of <i>that</i> description. I suppose it <i>is</i> an
+animal, by-the-bye,&#8221; he added, turning to the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; laughed Marjorie, &#8220;we are not quite sure. The Dodo says it&#8217;s a
+kind of lizard-like bird, or bird-like lizard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s got feathers,&#8221; chimed in Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ough! The miserable creature doesn&#8217;t even know what it is <i>itself</i>, I
+expect,&#8221; said the Court Glover, in tones of disgust.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The others,&#8221; said Dick reflectively, &#8220;are evidently animals&mdash;the
+Pal&aelig;otherium and the Eter&aelig;darium, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here,&#8221; interrupted the Court Glover, severely, &#8220;you really must
+<i>not</i> use such disgraceful language. I am not accustomed to it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, they are only names,&#8221; explained Dick, smilingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, then. Call the creatures <i>thingummybobs</i>; I shall know what
+you mean&mdash;only don&#8217;t use those other awful words again, they&#8217;re
+outrageous. Now then, to come to the point&mdash;where is that Dodo?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_149" id="pg_149">149</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll try and find him,&#8221; said Dick, obligingly, running off in the
+direction of some bushes, behind which he imagined that he might
+possibly find the runaways.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is your&mdash;er&mdash;chopper ready?&#8221; said the Court Glover, turning to the
+executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&mdash;he&mdash;he&mdash;ye&mdash;es!&#8221; giggled that worthy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! If you please,&#8221; pleaded Marjorie, &#8220;I do hope you are not going to
+execute the poor Dodo. I&#8217;m sure he&#8217;s <i>very</i> sorry that he took the
+Little Panjandrum&#8217;s gloves, and he will give them back, I know. Please,
+<i>please</i>, forgive him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&#8221; giggled the Executioner again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do be quiet,&#8221; shouted the Court Glover.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I don&#8217;t see anything to laugh at,&#8221; said Marjorie indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he&#8217;s <i>always</i> laughing,&#8221; declared the Court Glover; &#8220;that&#8217;s why he
+has to wear a mask&mdash;so that people shan&#8217;t see him laughing while he is
+chopping off their heads. It&#8217;s so rude, you know, to giggle at a time
+like that, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_150" id="pg_150">150</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should think so, indeed,&#8221; cried Marjorie, in a horrified voice;
+&#8220;perfectly disgraceful, I call it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what the last man who was executed said,&#8221; declared the Court
+Glover. After it was all over he said, &#8220;Well, I was never so
+disgracefully executed before in all my life; and I hope the next time
+you chop off my head, you&#8217;ll get some one else to do it.&#8221;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t understand,&#8221; said Marjorie, who was dreadfully puzzled. &#8220;How
+<i>could</i> he say all that after he was executed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why not?&#8221; asked the Court Glover, composedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, people can&#8217;t talk when they are killed, you know,&#8221; said Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&#8221; sniggered the Executioner, putting his hand up to his
+mouth under his mask.</p>
+
+<p>The Court Glover frowned at him. &#8220;Bless you, they aren&#8217;t <i>killed</i>!&#8221; he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not killed, when they are executed!&#8221; cried Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>The Executioner giggled louder than ever, and shook his head.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_151" id="pg_151">151</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t ask me, I&#8217;m duff and dem,&#8221; said the Executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He means dem and duff,&#8221; explained the Court Glover, considerately.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie laughed, and so did Fidge. &#8220;You are both wrong,&#8221; she said. &#8220;You
+mean deaf and dumb, I suppose. But I don&#8217;t think that <i>can</i> be the case,
+for he must have heard me, because he answered my question, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t say anything about being deaf or dumb, either. I simply said I
+was duff and dem, and I defy you to prove to the contrary,&#8221; said the
+Executioner, stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie was quite bewildered; but there was no time for further
+argument, for, just then, Dick and the Arch&aelig;opteryx returned, supporting
+the Dodo (who appeared half dead with fright), and followed by the
+Pal&aelig;otherium and the Eter&aelig;darium, walking arm in arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! now we will settle this little matter,&#8221; said the Court Glover,
+placing himself in an imposing attitude, and motioning the Executioner
+to stand a little way behind him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_152" id="pg_152">152</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Dodo prostrated himself before them, the tears streaming from his
+eyes, and the offending gloves thrown on the ground in front of him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Miserable fowl!&#8221; began the Court Glover.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo winced.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To what degraded depths have you sunken! I find you here hob-a-nobbing
+with <i>thingummybobs</i> and <i>what&#8217;s-his-names</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, I say, hold on!&#8221; interrupted the Arch&aelig;opteryx. &#8220;If you mean us,
+you know, we are&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Thingummybobs</i> and <i>what&#8217;s-his-names</i>,&#8221; repeated the Court Glover,
+waving his hand contemptuously. &#8220;Was it to create an impression amongst
+such creatures as <i>these</i> that you ran off with the very best pair of
+white kid gloves in the whole collection belonging to His Importance the
+Little Panjandrum? Oh, Dodo! Dodo! Dodo! it is <i>too</i> much!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How much too much?&#8221; inquired the Pal&aelig;otherium, kindly taking out his
+purse.</p>
+
+<p>The Court Glover waved him aside with an impatient scowl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The vanity of the bird!&#8221; he went<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_153" id="pg_153">153</a></span> on&mdash;&#8220;white kid, above all others!
+Why, you might have taken a dozen pairs of colored cotton gloves, and no
+one would have minded in the least; but best white kid&mdash;oh! shocking!
+shocking! And look at the state you&#8217;ve made them in! But there&mdash;what can
+be expected of a creature that goes wandering about the world visiting
+what-you-may-call-ems.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:337px">
+<a name="illus-035" id="illus-035"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00162.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Bear up, old man,&#39; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.&#34;" title="" width="337" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Bear up, old man,&#39; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course, there&#8217;s nothing to be done,&#8221; continued the Court Glover,
+after an impressive pause, &#8220;but to execute you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo sobbed; and Marjorie, who was greatly concerned, began: &#8220;Oh,
+please&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_154" id="pg_154">154</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But the Court Glover was inexorable, and murmured solemnly, &#8220;In one
+hour&#8217;s time&mdash;here,&#8221; he walked off towards the balloon, followed by the
+Executioner, who was giggling idiotically, and had to stuff a
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from laughing outright.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Inhuman wretch&mdash;there!&#8221; said Marjorie, bursting into tears, while the
+Dodo&#8217;s friends assisted him up from the ground, where he was lying in a
+half-fainting condition.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bear up, old man,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx, sympathetically, fanning him
+with his tail.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When did he say?&#8221; inquired the Dodo, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In an hour&#8217;s time,&#8221; said Dick, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop!&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium, suddenly. &#8220;I think I have found a way out
+of the difficulty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! what is it? What is it?&#8221; cried the Dodo, eagerly; while the others
+all crowded round to hear what the Eter&aelig;darium had to say.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_155" id="pg_155">155</a></span>
+<a name="THE_EXECUTION_OF_THE_DODO_3381" id="THE_EXECUTION_OF_THE_DODO_3381"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+<h3>THE EXECUTION OF THE DODO.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us pretend,&#8221; suggested the Pal&aelig;otherium, &#8220;that the Dodo is dead.
+They will readily imagine that the shock has been too much for him, and,
+of course, being dead, there will be no necessity to execute him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&mdash;he&mdash;he! Very nice indeed. A capital arrangement!&#8221; giggled a voice
+over the children&#8217;s shoulder; and, turning round, they beheld the
+Executioner, who had apparently overheard everything that had been said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bother!&#8221; remarked the Pal&aelig;otherium; &#8220;now I shall have to invent some
+other way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t think,&#8221; said the Executioner, who had removed his mask, and who
+the children discovered to be a very amiable-looking gentleman&mdash;&#8220;I can&#8217;t
+think why you are making all this fuss about the execution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, how would you like it yourself?&#8221; asked the Dodo, indignantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_156" id="pg_156">156</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t mind in the least,&#8221; remarked the Executioner, coolly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not mind being killed!&#8221; shuddered the children.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:346px">
+<a name="illus-036" id="illus-036"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00165.jpg" alt="&#34;I never kill anybody when I chop their heads off.&#34;" title="" width="346" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;I never kill anybody when I chop their heads off.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, <i>that&#8217;s</i> another question entirely,&#8221; said the Executioner. &#8220;I never
+kill anybody when I chop their heads off. It would be so cruel;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_157" id="pg_157">157</a></span>
+besides, that old-fashioned way is so ordinary. I am the Executioner
+Extraordinary, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, how on earth do you execute people, then, if you don&#8217;t kill
+them?&#8221; demanded Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, by a new method, which I have invented myself,&#8221; declared the
+Executioner. &#8220;I call it execution by proxy. I just make an effigy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t interrupt,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;Guy Fawkes is an effigy, you know&mdash;an old
+stuffed thing, with a mask on. Go on, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, then,&#8221; continued the Executioner, &#8220;having made an effigy, as near
+like my subject as possible, I just chop its head off, and there is an
+end of the matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He looked around at the company, and smiled triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie gave a sigh of relief. She didn&#8217;t so much mind the execution
+taking place if the poor Dodo was not to be killed. To her great
+surprise, however, on looking at that interesting bird, she discovered
+that he was weeping copiously, and wiping with an elaborate lace
+handkerchief, which had evidently been concealed<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_158" id="pg_158">158</a></span> about his person, the
+tears which trickled slowly down his great beak.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter, poor goosey, goosey, gander?&#8221; said Fidge,
+sympathetically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t!&#8221; snapped the Dodo, crossly. &#8220;I&#8217;m <i>not</i> a goose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what <i>is</i> the matter, anyhow?&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;They are not going to
+chop your head off it appears; so you ought to be glad, and not snivel
+like that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I d&mdash;don&#8217;t want to&mdash;to be&mdash;e m&mdash;made a guy of,&#8221; sobbed the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What <i>do</i> you mean?&#8221; asked the Executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you said you would have to make an effigy of me; and he&#8221; (pointing
+to Dick) &#8220;said it was a kind of Guy Fawkes, didn&#8217;t you?&#8221; he added
+appealing to Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, never mind,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx, sympathetically; &#8220;you have
+the consolation that they couldn&#8217;t make you a bigger guy than you are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Strangely enough, the Dodo seemed to derive a considerable amount of
+comfort from this<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_159" id="pg_159">159</a></span> idea, and, wiping away the few remaining tears, he
+began to take an active interest in the manufacture of the effigy, which
+the others set about constructing without further delay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it like me?&#8221; he asked, conceitedly, as they bound some cloths to a
+piece of stick, in such a way that they bore some slight resemblance to
+a bird.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear me, what a pity! I&#8217;m not moulting, or you might have had one or
+two of my feathers to stick on for a tail,&#8221; he added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! I shouldn&#8217;t have thought you had any to spare for moulting
+purposes,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be unkind,&#8221; retorted the Dodo; &#8220;<i>you</i> haven&#8217;t many to boast of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve more than you have, anyhow,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, for goodness&#8217; sake leave off quarreling. What on earth does it
+matter how many feathers you have?&#8221; said Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not to a <i>boy</i>, I suppose,&#8221; remarked the Dodo, somewhat insolently;
+&#8220;but no respectable bird would care to be seen about with less than<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_160" id="pg_160">160</a></span>
+five; though, undoubtedly, too many are vulgar&#8221;&mdash;this with a scornful
+glance at the Arch&aelig;opteryx&#8217;s tail, which was decorated with quite a
+number of curious flat feathers.</p>
+
+<p>I don&#8217;t know how much longer this wrangling would have gone on, had not
+the Court Glover just then made his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Time&#8217;s up!&#8221; he announced, sternly. &#8220;Are you prepared for execution,
+Dodo?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not quite,&#8221; answered the Executioner, who was putting the finishing
+touches to the effigy; &#8220;his head keeps tumbling off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind, it will save cutting it off,&#8221; said the Court Glover, who
+was evidently quite used to the Executioner&#8217;s patent method of
+performing his dreadful duty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then,&#8221; he continued importantly. &#8220;Stand round in a ring while I
+read the Warrant. &#8221;Ahem! Nevertheless, likewise, notwithstanding,
+heretofore, as is aforesaid. It having been proven that a certain bird
+named the Dodo having maliciously and contemptibly worn the white kid
+gloves of the Little Panjandrum, it is hereby enacted that the said
+Dodo, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_161" id="pg_161">161</a></span> his heirs male, or assigns, be chopped at the neck till one or
+all of their respective heads do fall off&mdash;and this to be done to their
+entire satisfaction. <span class="smcap">Long live the Panjandrum!</span>&#8221;&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:357px">
+<a name="illus-037" id="illus-037"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00170.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Alas! Alas!&#39; murmured the Court Glover.&#34;" title="" width="357" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Alas! Alas!&#39; murmured the Court Glover.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a rigmarole!&#8221; whispered Dick, while the Executioner stretched out
+the Dodo&#8217;s effigy on the ground, and, resuming his hideous black mask,
+made ready to strike.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_162" id="pg_162">162</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Alas! Alas!&#8221; murmured the Court Glover, covering his face with his
+hands, and peeping through his fingers, while the Dodo held his sides
+with suppressed laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The children all looked on with interest as the Executioner performed
+his terrible duty. Raising his curious scythe-like chopper, with one
+mighty blow he severed the piece of wood which answered for the Dodo&#8217;s
+neck, and then stood gloomily aside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Fiat Justitia</i>!&#8221; said the Court Glover, solemnly; and then, turning to
+the Dodo, he inquired anxiously, &#8220;Well, how did you like it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! it was delightful!&#8221; replied the bird, enthusiastically. &#8220;I am sure
+no one could wish to have a pleasanter or more delightful execution. I&#8217;m
+much obliged to you for having it so nicely performed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we always like to manage these little things as pleasantly as
+possible, you know,&#8221; said the Court Glover, deprecatingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I quite enjoyed it!&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;That&#8217;s a <i>very</i> nice
+Executioner you have.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_163" id="pg_163">163</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; isn&#8217;t he?&#8221; agreed the Court Glover. &#8220;Pity he laughs so much,
+though, it spoils the effect. Well, having done my duty, I must be off.
+Any message for the Little Panjandrum?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! can&#8217;t we go back with you in the balloon?&#8221; asked Marjorie, eagerly,
+for it seemed to her a capital opportunity of getting away from this
+strange place.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! I&#8217;m afraid not,&#8221; said the Court Glover, reflectively. &#8220;You see, it
+only holds two comfortably.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where do you want to go to?&#8221; asked the Arch&aelig;opteryx.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;England!&#8221; said the children, all together.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! <i>that&#8217;s</i> all right. I&#8217;ll tell you the way to get <i>there</i>,&#8221; said the
+Pal&aelig;otherium.</p>
+
+<p>And the Court Glover and the Executioner began to undo the cords which
+held the balloon to the palm tree.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You might leave me your card,&#8221; said the Dodo to the Executioner,
+pressing a small coin into his hand. &#8220;I shall probably go in for a
+complete course of execution when I get back again; and, besides, the
+address of a good,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_164" id="pg_164">164</a></span> reliable Executioner is a handy thing to have in the
+house.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Executioner giggled, and handed the bird his card, and then both he
+and the Court Glover got into the car, and the balloon was soon
+vanishing in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>After watching them nearly out of sight the Dodo capered wildly about
+till the children began to fear that he had suddenly gone off his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever is the matter?&#8221; inquired Dick. &#8220;Why are you carrying on in
+that absurd way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo fumbled beneath one wing, and drew forth a little paper
+package.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ha! ha! ha! <i>They went away without the gloves after all</i>!&#8221; he
+shrieked, and began to roll about on the ground in an uncontrollable fit
+of laughter.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_165" id="pg_165">165</a></span>
+<a name="THE_PREHISTORIC_DOCTOR_3589" id="THE_PREHISTORIC_DOCTOR_3589"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+<h3>THE PREHISTORIC DOCTOR.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t imagine,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;why you think such a lot of those
+wretched old gloves. They seem to have got you into quite enough trouble
+already.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They look so respectable,&#8221; explained the Dodo, &#8220;and give one such an
+air. You have <i>never</i> before seen a bird wearing gloves, now, have you?&#8221;
+he added, appealing to the company generally, who were obliged to
+flatter his vanity by confessing that they never had.</p>
+
+<p>Dick, however, in a spirit of pure mischief, decided to play him a
+trick. So, when the Dodo, having put on one glove, strutted away to show
+off before the Arch&aelig;opteryx, leaving the other one behind him, Dick
+quickly picked it up and put it on himself, then calling to aid the
+power which the Panjandrum&#8217;s Ambassador had given him of being able to
+make himself whatever size he wished, he cried, &#8220;I wish to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_166" id="pg_166">166</a></span> as big as
+the biggest giant that ever lived,&#8221; and immediately became so tall that
+the Pal&aelig;otherium and the Eter&aelig;darium, who were standing near, fled in
+dismay, while Marjorie and Fidge looked up with the greatest of
+admiration to their now big&mdash;big brother.</p>
+
+<p>Dick then telling them, in a voice that sounded like thunder, to stand
+aside, took off the glove, which had, of course, grown with him, and
+threw it on to the ground, where it lay a huge mass of coarse leather as
+many <i>feet</i> long as it had formerly been <i>inches</i>, and with buttons
+almost as big as dinner plates.</p>
+
+<p>It was, of course, the easiest matter imaginable for Dick to reduce
+himself to his proper size again, while the glove remained as it was,
+and this he very quickly did, to the evident relief of the poor
+Pal&aelig;otherium and the Eter&aelig;darium, who had been trembling and quaking
+behind a clump of trees, and looking with the greatest disquietude at
+these extraordinary proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is fine growing weather, Sir,&#8221; remarked the Pal&aelig;otherium,
+respectfully, as he came forward<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_167" id="pg_167">167</a></span> and stood by Dick beside the enormous
+glove.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:321px">
+<a name="illus-038" id="illus-038"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00176.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Is that it?&#39; asked Dick.&#34;" title="" width="321" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Is that it?&#39; asked Dick.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Dick laughed, and rather delighted in the evident impression which he
+had made upon the creatures by his performance, and a moment after the
+Dodo returned, looking about him eagerly in search of his lost
+property.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_168" id="pg_168">168</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; inquired Dick, solicitously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Er&mdash;have any of you seen a white kid glove lying about?&#8221; said the Dodo,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that it?&#8221; asked Dick, pointing to the enormous object lying at his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo gave a start.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Er&mdash;er&mdash;oh&mdash;my!&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;I do believe&mdash;why, surely it
+isn&#8217;t&mdash;yes&mdash;yes&mdash;bless me, if I don&#8217;t believe that it really <i>is</i> my
+glove. Why, whatever has happened to it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It certainly looks rather large for you,&#8221; remarked the Pal&aelig;otherium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Large! why it&#8217;s prodigious!&#8221; exclaimed the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What size do you wear?&#8221; asked Marjorie, who was enjoying the fun.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo undid the glove which he had on and looked inside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sevens,&#8221; he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And this,&#8221; said Dick, kicking the enormous glove open, &#8220;is marked
+ninety-nines!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe I <i>could</i> wear that size,&#8221; said the bird,
+disconsolately. &#8220;Whatever is to be done?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_169" id="pg_169">169</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should get inside it altogether, if I were you,&#8221; suggested Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be ridiculous,&#8221; said the Dodo, beginning to cry. &#8220;It&#8217;s bad enough
+to&mdash;to&mdash;have one&#8217;s gloves car&mdash;carrying on in this fas-fashion, without
+being laughed at by&mdash;by a parcel of cre&mdash;creatures that don&#8217;t care
+anything about their per&mdash;per&mdash;personal appearance, and who&mdash;who
+nev&mdash;never wore a p&mdash;p&mdash;pair of gloves in their lives!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; cried Marjorie, &#8220;I&#8217;m sure <i>we</i> wear gloves when we are at home,
+don&#8217;t we, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course,&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And me, too,&#8221; declared Fidge; &#8220;me wears goves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it,&#8221; sobbed the Dodo; &#8220;and if I did, I wouldn&#8217;t, so
+there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you are an awful cry-baby,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;I should be ashamed, if
+I were you, to be always sniveling about nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo didn&#8217;t answer, but sat down beside the enormous glove, and
+continued to sob and cry till his eyes, which were never very beautiful,
+became swollen and red, and his little<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_170" id="pg_170">170</a></span> lace handkerchief was wringing
+wet with his tears.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie, in her kind-hearted way, tried to comfort him, and privately
+suggested to Dick that, as the poor bird seemed so very much cut up
+about his glove, that he should restore it to its natural size again.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, Dick positively refused to do for the present, and the
+Dodo becoming worse instead of better, the Arch&aelig;opteryx said he should
+go and fetch a doctor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, do!&#8221; cried the Dodo, sitting up, and becoming interested at once.
+&#8220;I <i>love</i> doctors, they give you such nice stuff to take.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ough!&#8221; shuddered Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure they do, then,&#8221; said the Dodo; &#8220;lovely little pills with sugar
+on them, and powders in jam&mdash;oh, lovely! Don&#8217;t you think powders in jam
+delicious?&#8221; he asked, appealing to Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; I certainly don&#8217;t,&#8221; was the reply, as the Arch&aelig;opteryx, followed by
+a funny-looking little old man, came running back.</p>
+
+<p>The Prehistoric Doctor&mdash;for so the children<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_171" id="pg_171">171</a></span> found he was called&mdash;was
+dressed in a coarse coat made of bear&#8217;s skin, under which was a spotless
+shirt-front and collar; an old-fashioned pair of horn-rimmed spectacles
+completed his costume, while some dangerous-looking surgical instruments
+projected from a rough pocket tacked on to the side of his coat.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width:260px">
+<a name="illus-039" id="illus-039"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00180.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Tut, tut, this is serious,&#39; said the Doctor.&#34;" title="" width="260" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Tut, tut, this is serious,&#39; said the Doctor.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&mdash;h&#8217;m! and <i>how</i> are we feeling this morning?&#8221; he said, kindly,
+going up to the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>The bird turned up his eyes pathetically and gave a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Like a dying duck in a thunderstorm,&#8221; whispered Dick, and Marjorie had
+to hold her handkerchief to her mouth to keep from giggling out loud.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_172" id="pg_172">172</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! How is the pulse?&#8221; continued the Doctor, in a soothing voice.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo gravely extended the pinion with the glove on it.</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to puzzle the Doctor a little at first, but after looking at
+it for a moment through his spectacles, he fished an enormous silver
+watch out of another pocket in his skin coat, and carefully pinching the
+glove between his finger and thumb, regarding his timepiece anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>This operation over, he shook his head gravely, and demanded to see the
+Dodo&#8217;s tongue.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I couldn&#8217;t!&#8221; simpered the bird; &#8220;I really couldn&#8217;t; it&#8217;s so rude to
+put out one&#8217;s tongue, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A little persuasion, however, on the part of the Doctor prevailed upon
+him to open his enormous beak, and the examination was proceeded with.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_173" id="pg_173">173</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:292px">
+<a name="illus-040" id="illus-040"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00182.jpg" alt="&#34;They hurried to the station.&#34;" title="" width="292" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;They hurried to the station.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tut! tut! this is serious!&#8221; exclaimed the Doctor, regarding the Dodo&#8217;s
+tongue critically. &#8220;We must have a change of air immediately, and
+thorough rest. I will go and make you up a little prescription, and I
+would advise you to start at once. The air at&mdash;er&mdash;the Crystal<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_174" id="pg_174">174</a></span> Palace
+would suit you admirably. There is an excursion starting to-day. I
+should certainly go by that if I were you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Crystal Palace! Why, that&#8217;s near London!&#8221; cried Marjorie,
+excitedly. &#8220;Can&#8217;t we go by the excursion, too?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course you can,&#8221; chimed in the Pal&aelig;otherium; &#8220;we&#8217;ll all go, and make
+up a nice little family party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So, without further ado&mdash;the Doctor having made up his prescription,
+consisting of a large bottle of &#8220;bull&#8217;s eyes,&#8221; one to be taken every
+quarter of an hour&mdash;they hurried to the station, at the door of which a
+most energetic porter was ringing a huge bell.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_175" id="pg_175">175</a></span>
+<a name="WAITING_FOR_THE_TRAIN_3779" id="WAITING_FOR_THE_TRAIN_3779"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+<h3>WAITING FOR THE TRAIN.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>They found, on reaching the station, which was a very primitive affair
+with a thatched roof, that the booking-office was closed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Clerk be goned away for &#8221;ees &#8221;oliday,&#8221; explained the Porter, with a
+grin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then whatever are we going to do about tickets?&#8221; asked Marjorie,
+anxiously, for the trip to the Crystal Palace seemed to afford such an
+excellent opportunity of getting home again that she was anxious not to
+miss it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He may be back before the train comes in,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx;
+&#8220;there doesn&#8217;t seem to be one in sight, and we often have to wait weeks
+and weeks for a train here, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what was he ringing the bell for, then?&#8221; inquired Dick, &#8220;if the
+train isn&#8217;t coming in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I seed some smoke awhile ago, over yonder,&#8221; said the Porter, &#8220;and I
+thought maybe &#8221;tmight be th&#8221; train, but like as not it isn&#8217;t.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_176" id="pg_176">176</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then we have had this long run for nothing,&#8221; complained the Dodo,
+breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Calm yourself, my dear Sir,&#8221; said the Doctor, patting him on the back;
+&#8220;excitement of any kind is very bad for you. We will wait here quietly
+till the train does come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But isn&#8217;t there a time-table?&#8221; asked Dick, &#8220;so that we can tell when to
+expect it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, Sir,&#8221; said the Porter. &#8220;There was a time-table when I fust come
+here, nine years ago; but it got lost somehow, and we&#8217;ve never had
+another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By this time the platform was crowded with a number of other animals,
+who had apparently come to join the excursion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We had better get our tents before they are all gone,&#8221; whispered the
+Pal&aelig;otherium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, yes, of course,&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium. &#8220;Er&mdash;Porter, just bring us
+some tents, will you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tents?&#8221; exclaimed the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; if we are to stay here till the train starts we shall find it very
+awkward at night without tents, you know.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_177" id="pg_177">177</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, tents by all means,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx. &#8220;I think five will
+be sufficient,&#8221; he added.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:358px">
+<a name="illus-041" id="illus-041"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00186.jpg" alt="&#34;The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving directions.&#34;" title="" width="358" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving directions.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Porter grumbled a little, and then brought forth from somewhere a
+number of poles and some canvas tents, and these the creatures began
+solemnly to erect on various parts of the platform.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo excused himself from assisting, on the plea that he might soil
+his gloves, and contented<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_178" id="pg_178">178</a></span> himself with fussing about and giving
+directions in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p>While the tents were being erected, the children amused themselves by
+exploring their surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! there&#8217;s a refreshment room!&#8221; exclaimed Marjorie, pointing to a hole
+in the wall, on the ledge of which were displayed a few doubtful-looking
+articles.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shall I join you in a little light repast?&#8221; said an insinuating voice
+behind them, and turning around, they beheld the Dodo smoothing his
+glove and smirking ingratiatingly.</p>
+
+<p>Dick felt in his pocket, and was delighted to find that he had a
+two-shilling-piece tucked away in a corner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, we might as well have something,&#8221; he said, generously. &#8220;I wonder
+who attends to this department? There doesn&#8217;t seem to be anybody about.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He knocked at the wall with his two-shilling-piece, and, suddenly, an
+elderly lady, with a very sharp face and a shrill voice, popped her head
+up and exclaimed, &#8220;Well! what do <i>you</i> want?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_179" id="pg_179">179</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Dick was startled by her sudden appearance, and stammered a little.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Er&mdash;er&mdash;a&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; he began.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A glass bun and a bath of milk, please,&#8221; prompted the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; he means a bath bun and a glass of milk,&#8221; laughed Marjorie, smiling
+up at the lady&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>There was no smile in response, however, and she replied, crossly, &#8220;Why
+doesn&#8217;t he say what he means, then? We&#8217;ve no bath buns, and no milk,&#8221;
+she went on. &#8220;There&#8217;s a currant bun, a box of chocolates, and a bottle
+of gingerbeer. You can take them or leave them, whichever you like.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Er&mdash;how much is the bun, please?&#8221; inquired Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shilling,&#8221; snapped the waitress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear me! that&#8217;s rather expensive, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said Dick, regarding his
+two-shilling-piece ruefully. &#8220;And I&#8217;m afraid it looks a little stale,
+too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I never!&#8221; said the waitress, tossing her head scornfully, and
+shaking back her little<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_180" id="pg_180">180</a></span> corkscrew curls. &#8220;What next, I wonder? That bun
+has been here on and off for seventeen years, and I never had a
+complaint about it before. Stale, indeed!&#8221; And she sniffed scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we had better try the chocolate,&#8221; suggested Marjorie. &#8220;Can you
+tell us, please, how many pieces there are in the box?&#8221; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I can&#8217;t!&#8221; was the ungracious reply. &#8220;It&#8217;s half-a-crown,&#8221; she added.</p>
+
+<p>That, of course, put it out of the question, and as the gingerbeer
+bottle turned out to be empty, the contents having evaporated some years
+since, the children were obliged to turn, somewhat disconsolately, away
+from the &#8220;refreshment room,&#8221; and as they left they heard the waitress
+complaining, crossly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t think what people want to come bothering for refreshments for,
+when I am busy reading; some folks have <i>no</i> consideration for others.&#8221;
+And she disappeared as mysteriously as she had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>A little further down the platform, to their great delight, they
+discovered an automatic<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_181" id="pg_181">181</a></span> machine, but were greatly disappointed to find
+that it only professed to supply &#8220;furniture polish,&#8221; &#8220;tin tacks,&#8221; and
+&#8220;postage stamps.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And as we have no post-office here at all,&#8221; said the Arch&aelig;opteryx, who
+had by this time joined them, &#8220;the stamps are of no use whatever.
+Fortunately,&#8221; he went on, &#8220;the Pal&aelig;otherium brought some banana
+sandwiches in his carpet bag; so, if you come back with me to his tent,
+we can have a little supper before we go to bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The children very gratefully accepted the invitation, and were delighted
+on entering the tent to find that the Eter&aelig;darium and the Pal&aelig;otherium
+had arranged quite a dainty little repast with the sandwiches, some
+fresh fruit, and cocoanut milk, which was served in the shell.</p>
+
+<p>While the feast was progressing it began to grow quite dark, and the
+Dodo suggested asking the Porter for a light.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s only one candle,&#8221; grumbled that individual, &#8220;and I be obligated
+to use that for the signal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So there was nothing to be done but to hurry<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_182" id="pg_182">182</a></span> over the supper as soon as
+possible, and go to rest.</p>
+
+<p>Marjorie and Fidge shared a little tent next to the Dodo and Dick, and
+the children made themselves as comfortable as they could, under the
+circumstances, with some cushions and rugs, with which the Porter had
+provided them; and, after chatting for a little while about their
+strange adventures, dropped off to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>They were awakened after an hour or two by the clanging of a huge bell,
+and, hastily putting their heads out of the tent, beheld the Porter
+rushing up and down the platform, ringing his bell violently. The candle
+was flaring away at the top of the signal pole, and the children jumped
+to the conclusion that the train had been signaled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up!&#8221; called out Dick, as the Porter approached.</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, and the great bell was plied more vigorously than
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! <i>do</i> leave off!&#8221; screamed the Dodo. &#8220;What&#8217;s the bell for?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To keep you awake,&#8221; shouted the Porter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_183" id="pg_183">183</a></span> &#8220;I shall keep on ringing this
+bell all night to prevent you from going to sleep, in case the train
+comes in and you don&#8217;t hear it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But the noise will drive us mad,&#8221; expostulated the Dodo.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:320px">
+<a name="illus-042" id="illus-042"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00192.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Oh! Do leave off!&#39; screamed the Dodo.&#34;" title="" width="320" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Oh! Do leave off!&#39; screamed the Dodo.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! won&#8217;t have far to drive you, then,&#8221; said the Porter, rudely.
+&#8220;Howsomedever, I&#8217;m going to do my duty, whatever happens, and this &#8221;ere
+bell I&#8217;m going to ring if I drops.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_184" id="pg_184">184</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Remonstrance was vain, and as it was hopeless to try and sleep through
+all the noise the children got up again, and had hardly done so, when,
+looking towards the end of the platform they beheld a red and a green
+light appearing around the curve, and a moment later the train dashed
+into the station.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Crystal Palace train! Crystal Palace train! Take your seats, there!&#8221;
+shouted the Guard; and, regardless of the fact that they had no tickets,
+the children and their friends scrambled in.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_185" id="pg_185">185</a></span>
+<a name="A_NIGHT_IN_THE_TRAIN_3984" id="A_NIGHT_IN_THE_TRAIN_3984"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+<h3>A NIGHT IN THE TRAIN.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a funny puff-puff!&#8221; exclaimed Fidge, when, all of the creatures on
+the platform having entered the train, it slowly steamed out of the
+station, while the Porter took down the candlestick signal and carefully
+extinguished the light, remarking aloud, as he did so, &#8220;Well, thank
+goodness, <i>they&#8217;re</i> gone!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; said Dick, looking about him curiously, &#8220;that it must be what
+is called a sleeping car.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, of course it is,&#8221; agreed the Prehistoric Doctor, who had joined
+the party. &#8220;See, here are the sleeping bunks. This is mine,&#8221; he added,
+taking possession of one of the lower berths by throwing his carpet bag
+on to it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll have the one above it,&#8221; announced the Pal&aelig;otherium, climbing up to
+the upper berth, and clumsily treading on the Prehistoric Doctor&#8217;s hand
+as he did so.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_186" id="pg_186">186</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall have to be near my Doctor, of course, as I am an invalid,&#8221;
+remarked the Dodo, plaintively, &#8220;so shall take the lower berth next to
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And thus each of the creatures took up their respective positions, and
+the children thought it best to follow their example. Dick and Fidge
+climbed up to one of the upper berths, and Marjorie made herself
+comfortable in the one below them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s much better than being in those horrid little tents on the
+draughty station,&#8221; she called out; &#8220;and we are sure to get to
+<i>somewhere</i> in this train, aren&#8217;t we, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, rather,&#8221; was her elder brother&#8217;s reply. &#8220;I say, Sis, what are we
+going to do when they ask us for our tickets at the Crystal Palace? I
+haven&#8217;t got any money except this two shillings, have you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a penny,&#8221; admitted Marjorie. &#8220;However,&#8221; she added, yawning
+sleepily, &#8220;I suppose it will all come right; none of the other creatures
+took tickets, you know. The great thing is to get back to England.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_187" id="pg_187">187</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s a window up here, and I have just looked out,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;it&#8217;s
+all pitch dark.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; murmured Marjorie; &#8220;Underground Railway to Crystal Palace; that&#8217;s
+how we went last time, you know&mdash;part of the way, at any rate&mdash;let&#8217;s go
+to sleep now. Good-night, Dick.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nighty, nighty!&#8221; shouted Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night, Fidge, dear,&#8221; was his sister&#8217;s reply, in a very tired
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterwards the train gave a lurch, and there was a crash and a
+loud cry from one of the lower berths.</p>
+
+<p>Dick hastily scrambled down to ascertain what was the matter, and found
+that the Dodo had tumbled out of bed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bless my gloves and beak!&#8221; ejaculated the bird, as he picked himself
+up; &#8220;it&#8217;s enough to frighten one out of their lives, isn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you hurt yourself much?&#8221; inquired Dick, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; I don&#8217;t think so,&#8221; said the Dodo, carefully feeling himself all
+over to see if any bones were broken.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_188" id="pg_188">188</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do you like my nightcap?&#8221; he inquired, suddenly and inconsequently.
+&#8220;Does it suit me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, it&#8217;s all right, I suppose,&#8221; said Dick, laughing in spite of himself
+at the bird&#8217;s vanity. &#8220;Where did you get it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Found it under my pillow,&#8221; announced the bird, triumphantly. &#8220;That&#8217;s
+why I tumbled out of bed, so that some one at any rate, should come and
+see me in it. Nobody else seems to be coming, though,&#8221; he added, looking
+anxiously up and down, &#8220;so I shall go to bed again; but I shall leave my
+curtains wide open, so that if anybody passes by during the night, or in
+the morning, they will see how beautiful I am when I am asleep.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there was an awful noise like a deep groan, which grew
+and grew in volume till it sounded like distant thunder, and then faded
+away and ended up with a comical little whistle. Again and again it was
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Dick! what is it?&#8221; called Marjorie, putting her head outside the
+curtains.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t think,&#8221; said Dick, in a puzzled voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_189" id="pg_189">189</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where have I heard that sound before?&#8221; exclaimed the Dodo, putting one
+finger of the glove to his forehead, and striking a thoughtful attitude.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! I have it,&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Of course, it&#8217;s a prehistoric snore&mdash;the
+Doctor is asleep.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And, sure enough, that was what the noise was. By listening outside the
+curtains of his berth they discovered, without a doubt, that it
+proceeded from there.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a frightful row,&#8221; cried Dick, indignantly. &#8220;We can&#8217;t go to sleep
+with all that noise going on. Let&#8217;s wake him up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no!&#8221; cried the Dodo, &#8220;not for worlds. He is sure to be very
+sensitive on the point, and would doubtless resent it very much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He ought to be made to sleep in another part of the train, or in a
+carriage by himself,&#8221; grumbled Dick, scrambling back to his berth just
+in time to meet Fidge, who was trying to get down at the risk of
+breaking his neck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Dick!&#8221; he cried, pointing to the further corner of the berth,
+&#8220;Look! Look! A snake!&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_190" id="pg_190">190</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What?&#8221; cried Marjorie, from below, with a little scream.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A snake!&#8221; repeated Fidge. &#8220;Look, look, Dick!&#8221; he cried, pointing.</p>
+
+<p>Dick looked in the direction indicated, and was horrified to see what he
+took to be a huge snake, slowly crawling over the partition which
+divided their berth from the next.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Give me something to hit it with, quick!&#8221; he shouted, excitedly. And
+Marjorie, with another little frightened scream, handed him the
+Prehistoric Doctor&#8217;s umbrella, which was lying on the floor outside her
+berth.</p>
+
+<p>Dick seized the umbrella, and, grasping it with both hands, aimed a
+mighty blow at what he took to be the snake.</p>
+
+<p>An agonized scream from the next berth, and a hasty withdrawal of the
+<i>snake</i>, was followed by the appearance of the Pal&aelig;otherium&#8217;s head over
+the top of the partition.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who did that?&#8221; he demanded, with tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a snake!&#8221; cried Dick, excitedly, &#8220;and I was trying to kill it.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_191" id="pg_191">191</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Snake, indeed!&#8221; said the Pal&aelig;otherium, wrathfully. &#8220;It was my tail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! I&#8217;m <i>so</i> sorry,&#8221; exclaimed Dick, &#8220;I really <i>thought</i> it was a
+snake, you know. I beg your pardon. I <i>do</i> hope I haven&#8217;t hurt you very
+much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! Well, I can&#8217;t say that it was very pleasant,&#8221; said the
+Pal&aelig;otherium, &#8220;but if you are really sorry I&#8217;ll forgive you&mdash;only you
+mustn&#8217;t let it happen again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shouldn&#8217;t have a tail like a snake,&#8221; said Fidge, half crying, &#8220;and
+shouldn&#8217;t let it come over in our bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Pal&aelig;otherium muttered something that neither of the children could
+understand, and retired, and, except for the Prehistoric Doctor&#8217;s
+snoring, all was quiet again.</p>
+
+<p>This time the children really did get to sleep, and when they awoke the
+carriage was quite light, and Dick, looking out through the little
+window at the side of his berth, could see that they were traveling
+through some very delightful country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_192" id="pg_192">192</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wake up! Wake up, Marjorie,&#8221; he cried, &#8220;it&#8217;s morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m velly hungry,&#8221; announced Fidge, sitting up and rubbing his eyes
+sleepily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, so am I,&#8221; admitted Dick; &#8220;we must see what we can do to get some
+food.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The doors at the ends of the carriage are open,&#8221; cried Marjorie, from
+below. &#8220;I believe it&#8217;s a corridor train, like that we went to
+Scarborough in last year,&#8221; she added. &#8220;Perhaps there&#8217;s a dining-car at
+the end of this one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dick and Fidge scrambled down, and, accompanied by Marjorie, determined
+to explore.</p>
+
+<p>None of the other creatures were apparently awake, and most of the
+curtains were drawn.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, however, true to his word, had left his open, and there he lay
+in an affected attitude, with his gloves carefully displayed outside the
+bed-clothes, and his nightcap arranged at the most becoming angle.</p>
+
+<p>Dick could see that he was not really asleep, for one eye was partially
+open, and as the children passed he murmured, quite loudly enough for
+Dick to hear&mdash;&#8220;Ain&#8217;t I <i>beautiful</i>?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_193" id="pg_193">193</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:337px">
+<a name="illus-043" id="illus-043"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00202.jpg" alt="The Greedy Eter&aelig;darium." title="" width="337" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Greedy Eter&aelig;darium.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Dick laughed, and passed on to where he could see some wash-basins and a
+water tap, and there the children had a most refreshing wash; and then,
+to their great delight, found that the next carriage was
+labeled&mdash;&#8220;<span class="smcap">Breakfast Car</span>&#8221;;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_194" id="pg_194">194</a></span> and as it was the easiest matter in the world
+to step from one carriage to the other, they were soon at the door.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they opened it they beheld a curious sight.</p>
+
+<p>There were a number of little tables in the carriage, on each of which
+were basins of steaming hot bread-and-milk.</p>
+
+<p>The Eter&aelig;darium stood at one of the tables, and, with a spoon in each
+hand, was greedily devouring the bread-and-milk as quickly as he
+possibly could.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come on!&#8221; he shouted, with his mouth full. &#8220;Just in time. There are one
+or two basins left; but make haste, before the others come, or you won&#8217;t
+get any.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_195" id="pg_195">195</a></span>
+<a name="AT_THE_CRYSTAL_PALACE_4204" id="AT_THE_CRYSTAL_PALACE_4204"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+<h3>AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The bread-and-milk was very good, and the children enjoyed it immensely.</p>
+
+<p>They would have taken a second basinful had the Eter&aelig;darium been at all
+pressing in his invitation for them to do so; but instead of asking them
+in the usual way, &#8220;Will you have any more?&#8221; he said, in a very anxious
+tone of voice, &#8220;You won&#8217;t have any more, will you?&#8221; which was, of
+course, a very different thing; and so they each meekly said, &#8220;No, thank
+you,&#8221; and watched the Eter&aelig;darium finish up the remaining basins.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There now, I feel that I&#8217;ve done my duty,&#8221; he said, with a sigh of
+satisfaction, as he wiped his lips with a serviette, after scraping out
+the very last spoonful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see,&#8221; he said, with a sort of half attempt at an apology, &#8220;I was
+afraid the poor, dear Dodo,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_196" id="pg_196">196</a></span> in his delicate state of health, might come
+in to breakfast and eat more than was good for him; so, by eating the
+lot myself, I have prevented him from doing that. He ought to be very
+grateful to me, I&#8217;m sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what about the others?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, great, strong, healthy animals like them, it will do them good to
+go without for once in a way. I think, though, that in order to prevent
+them from feeling any disappointment it will be better to throw the
+basins out of the window, the sight of them would probably be rather
+tantalizing.&#8221; And the Eter&aelig;darium began hurriedly to throw all the
+breakfast things out of the window&mdash;spoons, basins, tablecloths, and
+serviettes, all disappeared, and only the three basins which the
+children had been using remained.</p>
+
+<p>They, doubtless, would have followed the others had not the Dodo,
+leaning heavily on the Prehistoric Doctor&#8217;s arm, entered the breakfast
+car just at that moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! bread-and-milk&mdash;capital!&#8221; exclaimed the Doctor, rubbing his hands,
+and looking at<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_197" id="pg_197">197</a></span> the children&#8217;s basins. &#8220;I think our patient could manage
+a small basinful, eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, with a great affectation of weakness, feebly nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I <i>could</i> manage a small basinful, Doctor&mdash;er&mdash;er&mdash;not <i>too</i>
+small, you know. A <i>very</i> small quantity never agrees with me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no; of course not,&#8221; said the Doctor, soothingly. &#8220;I will see that
+it is not too small; and perhaps, just to encourage you, I will have a
+basinful myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s all gone!&#8221; said the Eter&aelig;darium, suddenly and emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gone!&#8221; screamed the Dodo, in a loud voice, quite forgetting his
+supposed weakness. &#8220;Do you mean to say there is <i>none</i> left?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Eter&aelig;darium shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But where&#8217;s it all gone to?&#8221; asked the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>The Eter&aelig;darium solemnly pointed to the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pigs!&#8221; declared the Dodo, wrathfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, who are you calling pigs?&#8221; demanded Dick, getting up angrily.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_198" id="pg_198">198</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I must say that it was exceedingly greedy of you to devour all of
+the breakfast,&#8221; said the Doctor, reprovingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we didn&#8217;t,&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;It was the Eter&aelig;darium; he had ever so many
+basinsful. We only had one each, didn&#8217;t we, Marjorie?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Marjorie; &#8220;and mine was a very small one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And mine was the littlest of all,&#8221; said Fidge, flourishing his spoon,
+&#8220;like the littlest bear&#8217;s, you know, in the story of the Three Bears.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, where are the other basins, then, if you say the Eter&aelig;darium had
+such a lot?&#8221; demanded the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He threw them out of the window,&#8221; declared the children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Oh! Well, I <i>never</i>&mdash;whatever will they say next?&#8221; cried the
+Eter&aelig;darium, throwing up his hands and turning his eyes up to the
+ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must say it doesn&#8217;t seem a very probable story,&#8221; said the Doctor,
+looking out of the window; &#8220;and as I don&#8217;t see any of the basins lying
+about I am afraid I cannot believe your statement.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_199" id="pg_199">199</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that was some time ago,&#8221; argued Dick, &#8220;and as we are traveling very
+rapidly they must be some miles down the line by this time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:355px">
+<a name="illus-044" id="illus-044"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00208.jpg" alt="The arrival at the Crystal Palace." title="" width="355" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The arrival at the Crystal Palace.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Rubbish!&#8221; exclaimed the Dodo, &#8220;you are only making matters worse by
+your lame excuses. I always had my suspicions that you<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_200" id="pg_200">200</a></span> were a greedy
+lot, like all the rest of the human creatures.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ahem!&#8221; coughed the Doctor, looking pained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you&#8217;re prehistoric&mdash;that doesn&#8217;t count,&#8221; said the Dodo, and the
+Doctor brightened up again.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, at this moment, something occurred to prevent the argument
+from continuing, or goodness knows where it might have led to, for the
+children were naturally indignant at being so greatly misjudged. Dick
+was particularly wroth. Their attention was diverted, however, by the
+train dashing into a station, and coming to a somewhat abrupt stop,
+causing the passengers to pitch forward, while a porter called in a loud
+voice, &#8220;Crystal Palace! Crystal Palace! All change here!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! here we are, at last,&#8221; cried the children, hurrying on to the
+platform where the animals were all turning out.</p>
+
+<p>The porter had given one horrified glance at the strange creatures, and
+then, with a howl of fear, had fled up the steps at the end of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_201" id="pg_201">201</a></span>
+platform. The children could see that he was explaining something or
+other to the ticket collector, for that worthy came to the barrier and
+peeped over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh&mdash;o&mdash;o&mdash;a&mdash;aah!&#8221; the children heard him cry, and then he fled, as his
+companion had done, leaving the barrier free.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; laughed Dick, &#8220;that simplifies matters considerably, for we
+shall not have to bother about our tickets now.&#8221; And the children
+hurried up the stairs, while the Dodo remained behind to adjust his
+gloves, complaining loudly that notice ought to have been given that
+they were nearing the station, so that he might have made himself
+presentable before alighting.</p>
+
+<p>On turning back, while on the steps, the children could see that,
+besides their own party, the train had contained a number of other
+strange animals, some of whom, the Arch&aelig;opteryx whispered, impressively,
+were &#8220;antediluvians.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_202" id="pg_202">202</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:321px">
+<a name="illus-045" id="illus-045"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00211.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Sh&#39;sh! A Missionary,&#39; whispered the Dodo, excitedly.&#34;" title="" width="321" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Sh&#39;sh! A Missionary,&#39; whispered the Dodo, excitedly.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The whole party having alighted, with a great deal of noise and
+confusion, they proceeded at once to the Palace. Everywhere their
+appearance was the signal for a wild stampede of other visitors, and by
+the time they had reached the great hall no one at all was in sight,
+except one old gentleman in glasses, who was consulting a guide book
+while he stood before a group of wooden Hottentots.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_203" id="pg_203">203</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sh!&#8221; whispered the Dodo, &#8220;a Missionary! I have seen them before, when
+abroad. In some places they are greatly admired by the natives, some of
+whom have described them enthusiastically as being simply <i>delicious</i>!
+Let us be friendly to him; he is, no doubt, a very excellent man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My dear Sir,&#8221; he continued, waddling up to the Missionary, &#8220;delighted
+to see you looking so well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Missionary, who was very short-sighted, beamed kindly, and grasped
+the Dodo&#8217;s glove, while he peered up into his face through his glasses.
+On catching sight of his beak, however, he gave a gasp of astonishment,
+and stammered&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid, Sir, you&#8217;ve made a mistake. I&mdash;er&mdash;I&mdash;er&mdash;don&#8217;t remember
+your face.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, well, it is some time since we met, certainly; but perhaps you know
+my friend?&#8221; said the Dodo, introducing the Eter&aelig;darium, who came forward
+with an engaging grin.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Missionary gave him a hasty glance through his glasses, and
+then, nervously clutching<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_204" id="pg_204">204</a></span> his guide book and umbrella, muttered
+something about &#8220;an important engagement,&#8221; and fled in the direction of
+the big clock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Strange how nervous everybody is in my presence,&#8221; murmured the Dodo,
+conceitedly. &#8220;It&#8217;s doubtless my beauty and brilliant wit which alarms
+them; but, come on, let&#8217;s go out to the lake, and I&#8217;ll take you for a
+row.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:373px">
+<a name="illus-046" id="illus-046"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00213.jpg" alt="&#34;The Dodo was a muff at rowing.&#34;" title="" width="373" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;The Dodo was a muff at rowing.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>So, having met with the Pal&aelig;otherium, they all three got into a boat.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo was a muff at rowing, though, and kept &#8220;catching a crab,&#8221; which
+disaster he accounted for by declaring that the fishes would keep
+holding on to his oar when he dipped it<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_205" id="pg_205">205</a></span> into the water; but the
+Pal&aelig;otherium, who was in the bow of the boat, and consequently got all
+of the splashes and knocks with the oar, declared that this was all
+nonsense, and I am inclined to agree with him.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_206" id="pg_206">206</a></span>
+<a name="A_DIFFICULTY_WITH_THE_ROUNDABOUT_4402" id="A_DIFFICULTY_WITH_THE_ROUNDABOUT_4402"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+<h3>A DIFFICULTY WITH THE ROUNDABOUT.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>While the Dodo and his friends were enjoying themselves on the lake, the
+children and the others were wandering about the grounds, and
+continually discovering fresh attractions. What puzzled them not a
+little, however, was the fact that there seemed to be no other visitors
+about, and even the attendants had disappeared in a most mysterious
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>At the roundabout the steam was up, but there was apparently nobody in
+charge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a pity,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;I should have liked very much to have gone
+around on the horses, wouldn&#8217;t you, Marjorie?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should,&#8221; chimed in Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, it would have been rather jolly,&#8221; said Marjorie. &#8220;Don&#8217;t you think
+perhaps the Prehistoric Doctor could manage to set it going? Let&#8217;s ask
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, my dear,&#8221; said the Doctor, when consulted<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_207" id="pg_207">207</a></span> on the subject, &#8220;I
+don&#8217;t know much about machinery, but I&#8217;ll try, if you like.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired the Dodo, just then coming up, he having failed
+to get on with the rowing to his own or anybody else&#8217;s satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, we are just discussing the question of setting this roundabout
+going,&#8221; explained the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh! the easiest thing in the world,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;You just get on,
+and I&#8217;ll soon start you off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; cried the Doctor, getting astride one of the horses.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold on!&#8221; cried the Pal&aelig;otherium; &#8220;let us get on, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And he and several of the others clambered up to their places.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; whispered Marjorie, nervously, &#8220;that we had better wait and
+see how they get on, before trying ourselves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s just like a girl,&#8221; cried Dick&mdash;&#8220;afraid of everything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not,&#8221; replied Marjorie, indignantly; &#8220;I&#8217;m<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_208" id="pg_208">208</a></span> quite ready to go on, if
+you want to&mdash;only I thought&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All aboard!&#8221; interrupted the Dodo, pulling the lever.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop! Stop!&#8221; shouted Dick; &#8220;we want to get on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Too late!&#8221; cried the Dodo. &#8220;You shall go on the next journey.&#8221; And with
+a shriek from the steam-whistle the horses began to go around.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There you are, you see,&#8221; said the Dodo, complacently regarding the
+result of his efforts. &#8220;I said it was an easy matter to set them going.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Faster and faster grew the pace, till the Doctor, who at first seemed to
+be enjoying his ride immensely, suddenly threw his arms around his
+horse&#8217;s neck, and gasped out, breathlessly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Oh! Stop them! They&#8217;re running away?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh! Nonsense!&#8221; cried the Dodo; &#8220;don&#8217;t be a baby.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop them! Stop them! Help! Help!&#8221; screamed the other poor creatures,
+as the horses whirled around faster and faster.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_209" id="pg_209">209</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Dodo went to the engine and tried to push the lever back again, but,
+to his great consternation, he found that he could not do so, and the
+only result of pulling another lever which he discovered was to make the
+machinery work more rapidly than before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gracious!&#8221; cried Marjorie, wringing her hands, &#8220;whatever <i>is</i> to be
+done?&#8221; While even Dick turned a little pale, for the poor creatures were
+by this time whirling around so quickly that one could scarcely be
+distinguished from the other.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the poor Pal&aelig;otherium might be heard screaming above
+the others, who were all calling out in their fright and alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo left the engine, and came and stared at them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m!&#8221; he ejaculated. &#8220;<i>I</i> don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s to be done. If they don&#8217;t
+stop soon, I suppose we shall have to shoot them. It&#8217;s the only thing I
+can think of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shoot them!&#8221; exclaimed Dick, in a horrified voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_210" id="pg_210">210</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what else is to be done, I should like to know? We can&#8217;t leave
+them here whirling around like that forever.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should think,&#8221; suggested Dick, after vainly trying to push the lever
+back into its place himself, &#8220;that if we raked all the fuel out of the
+engine, it would probably stop of its own accord.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! happy thought,&#8221; said the Dodo, and with all possible speed they set
+to work to carry out Dick&#8217;s suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>They were delighted to find that after a time their project was
+successful, and the machinery gradually ceased to work, and at last
+stopped altogether.</p>
+
+<p>The poor creatures looked more dead than alive as with pale faces they
+clung limply to the upright supports attached to each of the horses.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor, weak though he was, was furious.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wretched, ungrateful creature!&#8221; he cried, getting painfully off his
+horse and going up to the Dodo. &#8220;This is how you reward me for having
+saved your life.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_211" id="pg_211">211</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t help it,&#8221; whimpered the Dodo. &#8220;I couldn&#8217;t, really.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:291px">
+<a name="illus-047" id="illus-047"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00220.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Not any higher, please,&#39; gasped the Dodo.&#34;" title="" width="291" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Not any higher, please,&#39; gasped the Dodo.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bah! I&#8217;ve a great mind never to speak to you again,&#8221; said the Doctor,
+disgustedly.</p>
+
+<p>The other creatures now came up, and began to abuse the Dodo, too.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_212" id="pg_212">212</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, just in time to prevent a general squabble, the
+Eter&aelig;darium, who had not been one of the number to patronize the
+roundabout, returned with the information that there were some swings a
+little way off.</p>
+
+<p>Despite their unfortunate experience on the roundabout, there was a
+general rush on the part of the creatures for this new attraction, and
+the Dodo and the Eter&aelig;darium had hard work to secure a swing for
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shall I give you a push?&#8221; asked the Doctor, kindly, though with a
+curious gleam in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, please,&#8221; said the Dodo, gratefully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said the Doctor. &#8220;Hold tight!&#8221; And he gave a mighty shove,
+sending the swing high above all the others.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s very&mdash;very nice,&#8221; gasped the Dodo, &#8220;but don&#8217;t push any higher,
+please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold tight,&#8221; said the Doctor, relentlessly, giving another shove,
+harder than before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! please&mdash;please d&mdash;don&#8217;t, or we shall be upset,&#8221; implored the Dodo,
+nervously, as the swing shot up into the air.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_213" id="pg_213">213</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll teach you to twizzle me on the roundabout,&#8221; cried the Doctor,
+vindictively. &#8220;Will you ever do it again?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:364px">
+<a name="illus-048" id="illus-048"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00222.jpg" alt="&#34;Fidge was delighted.&#34;" title="" width="364" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Fidge was delighted.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! no, n&mdash;no, never!&#8221; promised the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, one good one for the last, then,&#8221; cried<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_214" id="pg_214">214</a></span> the Doctor, giving a
+final push, and then leaving the poor Dodo to his fate.</p>
+
+<p>I don&#8217;t think that it could have been a very dreadful one, however, for
+a few minutes later he had joined the three children and the
+Pal&aelig;otherium in a journey on the switchback.</p>
+
+<p>Fidge, who had never been on one before, was delighted with the
+experience, and shouted, &#8220;Hooray! This is jolly!&#8221; as the car dashed down
+the steep incline.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Pal&aelig;otherium, however, his nerves evidently greatly unstrung by
+his unfortunate experience on the roundabout, was dreadfully upset, and
+alarmed, and, hiding his eyes, he crouched at the bottom of the car till
+it reached the other end, when he at once got out, and no amount of
+persuasion would induce him to undertake the return journey.</p>
+
+<p>He had scarcely got out into the grounds again, when he met the
+Arch&aelig;opteryx, who was carrying a strange-looking object, which he held
+up for the Pal&aelig;otherium&#8217;s inspection.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your tail, I believe,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>The Pal&aelig;otherium gave a hasty glance at his<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_215" id="pg_215">215</a></span> back, and then said, in
+rather a shamefaced way&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:343px">
+<a name="illus-049" id="illus-049"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00224.jpg" alt="&#34;Does this belong to you?&#34;" title="" width="343" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Does this belong to you?&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you! Yes, it is. You see, I have been obliged to wear a false one
+for some time; I had no idea, however, that it had become detached.&#8221; And
+he carefully adjusted it again, tying it on with a couple of tapes, and
+artfully concealing the ends.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our family,&#8221; he whispered, &#8220;have no tails<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_216" id="pg_216">216</a></span> to speak of, and, as we look
+rather remarkable without them, most of us wear artificial ones; but
+please don&#8217;t tell the others, they are sure to make fun of me, if you
+do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; promised the Arch&aelig;opteryx, kindly; &#8220;I won&#8217;t, if you don&#8217;t
+wish me to; but I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hist! hist!&#8221; interrupted a voice, and the Dodo, with a very scared
+face, peeped from behind a tree. &#8220;Who <i>do</i> you think is here?&#8221; he
+gasped.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who?&#8221; inquired the others, curiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Little Panjandrum himself,&#8221; declared the Dodo. &#8220;I have just caught
+sight of him up by the Palace, and he looks <i>so</i> angry about
+something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_217" id="pg_217">217</a></span>
+<a name="THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUM_AT_LAST_4622" id="THE_LITTLE_PANJANDRUM_AT_LAST_4622"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+<h3>THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM AT LAST.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Little Panjandrum!&#8221; exclaimed Marjorie, &#8220;I <i>shall</i> be glad to see
+him at last. What is he like?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! don&#8217;t bother me about him,&#8221; cried the Dodo, impatiently; &#8220;he&#8217;s all
+right as Panjandrums go, I suppose, but I don&#8217;t want to get into his
+clutches again, I can tell you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you, indeed?&#8221; remarked a voice, sarcastically. &#8220;Well, His
+Importance is particularly anxious to see <i>you</i> again, anyhow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo gasped, and the children turning around beheld the Little
+Panjandrum&#8217;s Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo! you here, too?&#8221; he continued, when he recognized them. &#8220;Well, I
+must say, you have been long enough bringing this wretched bird along.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you ought to be very grateful to us for having done so at all,&#8221;
+said Dick, boldly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_218" id="pg_218">218</a></span> &#8220;What are you going to do with him now you have got
+him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! that remains to be seen,&#8221; said the Ambassador, pursing his lips up
+tightly, and staring at the Dodo severely.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:273px">
+<a name="illus-050" id="illus-050"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00227.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Come along,&#39; said the Ambassador.&#34;" title="" width="273" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Come along,&#39; said the Ambassador.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come along,&#8221; he continued, catching hold of what would have been the
+Dodo&#8217;s ear if he had had one, but which was in reality a sort of woolly
+fluff growing all over his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come along, and see your friend the Little Panjandrum.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_219" id="pg_219">219</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Leave go!&#8221; screamed the Dodo, &#8220;you hurt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Rubbish!&#8221; exclaimed the Ambassador, dragging him along, &#8220;it doesn&#8217;t
+hurt <i>me</i>!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! oh! I&#8217;ve dropped one of my gloves,&#8221; cried the Dodo, pathetically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you take my advice, you&#8217;ll throw the other one away, too,&#8221; said the
+Ambassador; &#8220;it will only make the Little Panjandrum more angry than
+ever to see them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They make me look so respectable,&#8221; whispered the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Respectable!&#8221; said the Ambassador, contemptuously; &#8220;nothing would make
+<i>you</i> respectable&mdash;you ridiculous object, you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you are most un&mdash;un&mdash;ki&mdash;ki&mdash;kind,&#8221; sobbed the Dodo, &#8220;you are
+always pi&mdash;pi&mdash;pi&mdash;pitching into m&mdash;me, and ca&mdash;ca&mdash;calling me
+n&mdash;n&mdash;nasty names. It&mdash;it&mdash;it&#8217;s too bad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, stop that noise,&#8221; said the Ambassador, giving the Dodo&#8217;s wool a
+twist; &#8220;I&#8217;m ashamed of you. Ah, here comes His Importance,&#8221; he
+continued, as the sound of a drum was heard in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>The children all eagerness to see the Little<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_220" id="pg_220">220</a></span> Panjandrum, stood in a
+line by the side of the pathway, while the Ambassador, keeping a firm
+hold on the Dodo, remained by their side.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of the drum drew nearer, and the children could distinguish
+another sound mingling with it.</p>
+
+<p>The Ambassador smiled blandly, while he kept time with his foot.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the children caught sight of a curious procession approaching.
+The Little Panjandrum, a little fat man in Oriental costume, was
+preceded by two attendants&mdash;one playing a kind of drum, and the other a
+jew&#8217;s harp, while a third attendant held an enormous umbrella over His
+Importance&#8217;s head. On the top of the umbrella were a number of curious
+signs, of which the children could not possibly imagine the meaning.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Obbly&mdash;bobblee&mdash;wallee&mdash;bobbel&mdash;ob,&#8221; said the Ambassador, bowing three
+times, and dragging the Dodo&#8217;s head down with him each time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Flop!&#8221; replied the Little Panjandrum, and the two musicians fell on
+their faces.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_221" id="pg_221">221</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Um&mdash;sopelee&mdash;gumbos&mdash;galapaloo&mdash;glab,&#8221; remarked the Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ploff!&#8221; said the Little Panjandrum, and the black slave at the back
+jigged the State Umbrella up and down several times very violently.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:366px">
+<a name="illus-051" id="illus-051"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00230.jpg" alt="The Panjandrum and suite passed along." title="" width="366" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Panjandrum and suite passed along.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a funny language,&#8221; whispered Marjorie. &#8220;I wonder what they are
+talking about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Semlifee&mdash;dobbel&mdash;bingle&mdash;bingle&mdash;boff,&#8221; cried the Ambassador, lifting
+up one leg, while the Dodo painfully followed his example.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_222" id="pg_222">222</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Little Panjandrum gravely kicked the two musicians, who were still
+prostrate on the ground before him, and they immediately arose and stood
+on one leg each, like the Ambassador. Then His Importance himself
+balanced himself in the same way. The black slave at the back, whose
+legs were attached to those of the Little Panjandrum, imitated him.</p>
+
+<p>The children were highly interested in this proceeding, when the
+Ambassador, without speaking, motioned them to stand on one leg each,
+too.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come on, let&#8217;s do it,&#8221; said Dick, &#8220;and see what they are going to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So the three children solemnly hopped upon one foot, too.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment or two no one spoke. And at last the Dodo, gasping out,
+&#8220;Oh! I can&#8217;t keep it up any longer,&#8221; fell to the ground, and everybody
+else put their leg down again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ough!&#8221; said the Ambassador, in a disgusted voice. &#8220;Of course, <i>you</i>
+must needs spoil it all. Most disrespectful behavior to the Little
+Panjandrum, I call it.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_223" id="pg_223">223</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t help it,&#8221; gasped the Dodo, apologetically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, of course not,&#8221; said the Ambassador. &#8220;A bad excuse is better than
+none.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, <i>I</i> couldn&#8217;t have kept it up much longer,&#8221; declared Marjorie;
+&#8220;could you, Dick?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;I can&#8217;t think what we are doing it at all for.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Court etiquette demands it,&#8221; said the Ambassador, importantly. &#8220;Hush!
+His Importance is about to speak.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gobloblee! grabluff!&#8221; said the Little Panjandrum.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go on, Dodo,&#8221; said the Ambassador. &#8220;<i>Gobloblee, grabluff</i>, at once when
+His Importance tells you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo gave a sigh, and went up to the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s Umbrella
+and gave it a twirl. When it stopped, a little finger at the top pointed
+to the word &#8220;Guilty,&#8221; which was painted in large letters in one section
+of the Umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Again,&#8221; said the Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, looking very dejected, gave the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_224" id="pg_224">224</a></span> Umbrella another twirl. This
+time it stopped at the words &#8220;Hard labor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo groaned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Once more!&#8221; shouted the Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>For the third time the unlucky bird spun the Umbrella round, and this
+time it stopped at &#8220;Fine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How much, your Importance?&#8221; asked the Ambassador of the Little
+Panjandrum.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Cablofechee!</i>&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your gloves are forfeited,&#8221; declared the Ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo gave a despairing glance at the children, and began to remove
+his one glove.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s he being tried for?&#8221; asked Dick, in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Contempt of Panjandrumosity,&#8221; said the Ambassador. &#8220;It&#8217;s a dreadful
+offence. All trials are conducted by means of the State Umbrella; it
+saves all the bother of judges and juries, you know. But, look out! the
+Little Panjandrum is off again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dumflopety&mdash;golopegee&mdash;gal&mdash;popo&mdash;sum&mdash;delopotomex,&#8221; remarked the
+Little Panjandrum,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_225" id="pg_225">225</a></span> as he walked away, escorted by his retinue.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He says that your &#8221;hard labor&#8221; sentence is, to carry the State Umbrella
+in future, and that you are to commence your duties in one hour from
+now; in the meantime you may consider yourself at liberty till then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Ambassador followed after the Little Panjandrum, and the children
+gathered around the poor Dodo, full of sympathy for his misfortunes.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width:238px">
+<a name="illus-052" id="illus-052"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00234.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Go it, Dodo!&#39; cried the Pal&aelig;otherium.&#34;" title="" width="238" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Go it, Dodo!&#39; cried the Pal&aelig;otherium.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have they gone?&#8221; whispered the Prehistoric Doctor, coming forward from
+behind a bush, behind which he had been hiding.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_226" id="pg_226">226</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Marjorie. &#8220;Isn&#8217;t it a shame the poor Dodo should always be
+getting into hot water?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind,&#8221; said the Doctor; &#8220;I&#8217;ve found something that will make him
+happy. Look here!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo raised himself up from the ground, and gave an inquiring glance
+at the Doctor who held out a pair of boxing-gloves.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! what beauties!&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;How fat they are! Are they for me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, if you would like them,&#8221; said the Doctor. &#8220;I have a pair, too.
+Let&#8217;s try a round together&mdash;shall we?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right!&#8221; shouted the Dodo, getting up excitedly, and hastily
+fastening on the gloves. &#8220;Now then&mdash;guard!&#8221; And he went for the Doctor
+furiously. The Doctor squared up, and was soon boxing as skilfully as
+the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>The Pal&aelig;otherium and the Eter&aelig;darium, hearing the noise, came forward
+and joined the crowd of creatures, which by this time had collected in a
+ring. And amid shouts of &#8220;Go it, Dodo!&#8221; &#8220;Three cheers for the Dodo!&#8221;
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_227" id="pg_227">227</a></span> first round concluded, the ungainly bird winning a decided victory.
+They were just about to begin again, when they heard a succession of
+piercing screams from the direction in which the lake was situated.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_228" id="pg_228">228</a></span>
+<a name="TURNED_TO_STONE_4843" id="TURNED_TO_STONE_4843"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+<h3>TURNED TO STONE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious! what&#8217;s that?&#8221; inquired the Dodo, as the screams
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;d better go and see,&#8221; said Dick, practically running off in the
+direction of the lake, followed by the others.</p>
+
+<p>On passing the clump of trees and evergreens, which obstructed their
+view, they discovered the Little Panjandrum, in a great state of
+agitation, hiding behind the official Umbrella, his body-attendant lying
+prone on the ground in a state of abject fear; while the rest of the
+suite, having cast aside their musical instruments, were rushing away,
+shouting lustily.</p>
+
+<p>On the opposite side of the path stood a few of the prehistoric
+creatures which accompanied the children on their excursion to the
+Crystal Palace.</p>
+
+<p>They were looking at the Little Panjandrum<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_229" id="pg_229">229</a></span> with a mild surprise, and
+seemed quite at a loss to know what all the hullabaloo was about.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:364px">
+<a name="illus-053" id="illus-053"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00238.jpg" alt="The Little Panjandrum and suite are alarmed." title="" width="364" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Little Panjandrum and suite are alarmed.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gulla&mdash;hubly&mdash;olla&mdash;bolee!&#8221; shouted the Little Panjandrum, pointing to
+the animals with his umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, they&#8217;re all right, your Importance,&#8221; said the Dodo; &#8220;they are
+friends of mine.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_230" id="pg_230">230</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Friends, indeed!&#8221; exclaimed the Ambassador, coming from where he had
+been hiding behind a tree. &#8220;Pretty friends! What do you call the
+creatures?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, there&#8217;s the Arch&aelig;opteryx, you know, and the Eter&aelig;darium, and the
+Pal&aelig;o&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop! stop!&#8221; interrupted the Ambassador, as each of the animals
+mentioned bowed gravely. &#8220;I absolutely decline to know creatures with
+names like <i>those</i>. I&#8217;m sure they are not respectable, and I&#8217;m not at
+all sure, even now, that they are not dangerous; however, I shall know
+how to deal with <i>them</i> presently. The penalty for alarming the Little
+Panjandrum is a very severe one.&#8221; And he frowned very sternly at the
+creatures, who looked rather uncomfortable, and waddled off in the
+direction of the lake, whispering together in a decidedly scared way.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You didn&#8217;t tell me you had all these hideous objects with you,&#8221;
+continued the Ambassador, addressing the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought you knew,&#8221; stammered the unlucky bird; &#8220;they are prehistoric,
+you know,&#8221; he added, apologetically.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_231" id="pg_231">231</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:342px">
+<a name="illus-054" id="illus-054"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00240.jpg" alt="There was some consolation, he was allowed to wear his gloves." title="" width="342" /><br />
+<span class="caption">There was some consolation, he was allowed to wear his gloves.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;That only makes it worse,&#8221; declared the Ambassador. &#8220;In that case they
+ought to be dead, every one of them, ever so long ago. They have no
+right to be prowling about at a highly-respectable place like the
+Crystal Palace. No wonder there&#8217;s nobody about; they&#8217;ve<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_232" id="pg_232">232</a></span> frightened them
+away, that&#8217;s what it is. And you&#8217;re to blame as much as anybody for
+bringing them here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t!&#8221; gasped the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did,&#8221; said the Ambassador, emphatically. &#8220;You said they were your
+friends; so they <i>must</i> have come with you. And I&#8217;ll tell you what, in
+order to prevent you from picking up any more undesirable acquaintances,
+you shall just commence your duties as Umbrella Bearer at once,&#8221; and,
+untying the ribbons by which the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s attendant was
+attached to His Importance, the Ambassador, bringing forth a heavy pair
+of chains from his capacious pockets, proceeded to chain the Dodo up to
+the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s waistband.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Dodo looked the picture of misery as the Umbrella was put into
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M&mdash;may I have m&mdash;my gloves?&#8221; he whimpered.</p>
+
+<p>The Ambassador, after considering a minute, gave his consent, on the
+score that it <i>might</i> improve his appearance, and caused the black
+attendant to hunt for the missing one, which had<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_233" id="pg_233">233</a></span> been thrown down on
+the ground near to the roundabout.</p>
+
+<p>He soon returned with it, and the Dodo, with a delighted chuckle, put
+the pair on, and, after smoothing them carefully, regarded his hands
+very complacently, and seemed to consider having them some compensation
+for the degraded occupation to which he had been put.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go now and settle the others,&#8221; declared the Ambassador. &#8220;What did
+you say their names were?&#8221; he inquired, sternly, of the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>The poor bird called out the names one by one, and the Ambassador
+carefully entered them in his pocket-book, and then stalked majestically
+away in the direction of the lake, while the Little Panjandrum settled
+himself on a gaudily-colored rug, which the black attendant carefully
+spread on the ground at his feet, and with a self-satisfied smile on his
+little round face gravely twiddled his thumbs and took no notice of
+anybody.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and see what he does to them,&#8221; whispered the Dodo, referring to the
+Ambassador and the creatures.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_234" id="pg_234">234</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing loth, the children ran off to the lake to see what was
+happening. Pushing aside the bushes, they could see the Ambassador
+standing on the edge of the path, waving a wand in one hand, while in
+the other he flourished a legal-looking document.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:360px">
+<a name="illus-055" id="illus-055"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00243.jpg" alt="&#34;In the name of the Panjandrum, I command you.&#34;" title="" width="360" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;In the name of the Panjandrum, I command you.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The prehistoric creatures were scrambling through the water, and getting
+as far away as possible on to the islands in the middle of the lake.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All you Pal&aelig;otheriums, Eter&aelig;dariums, Arch&aelig;opteryx,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_235" id="pg_235">235</a></span> Megatheriums,
+Pleisiosauruses, Ichthyosauruses, and other prehistoric wretches, in the
+name of the Panjandrum, I command you&mdash;<i>be turned into stone</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When the Ambassador uttered these terrible words a most singular thing
+happened. In whatever attitude the creatures were they remained so; and
+gradually each assumed a stony and lifeless expression, and the spell or
+incantation which the Ambassador had pronounced had evidently taken
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>The children were very much alarmed, and ran back to the Dodo, and in a
+hurried whisper informed him of what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Turned all the prehistoric animals into stone, has he?&#8221; said the bird,
+gleefully; &#8220;then I can see a splendid way out of my troubles. Wait till
+the Ambassador returns, and you will see some capital fun.&#8221; And the Dodo
+struck a rigid attitude, and remained in that position, totally
+disregarding the questions with which the children plied him.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_236" id="pg_236">236</a></span>
+<a name="THE_DODOS_LITTLE_RUSE_4987" id="THE_DODOS_LITTLE_RUSE_4987"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+<h3>THE DODO&#8221;S LITTLE RUSE.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The State Umbrella, which the Dodo had been carrying, fell to the ground
+with a crash, and so startled the Little Panjandrum that he jumped to
+his feet and nervously tried to run away. The chains, however, by which
+the Dodo was attached to his girdle, prevented him from doing so.</p>
+
+<p>The bird, with his beak in the air, and his gloves extended in a most
+grotesque attitude, was immovable and rigid as stone. Not a muscle
+moved, and the Little Panjandrum, after staring at him a moment, called
+out, angrily&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Olla&mdash;balloo&mdash;calle&mdash;gablob?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was not the slightest movement on the part of the bird, and just
+then the Ambassador returned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo! What&#8217;s the trouble?&#8221; he cried, staring at the Dodo.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_237" id="pg_237">237</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gablobbee&mdash;balloo&mdash;olla&mdash;wobble!&#8221; said the Little Panjandrum,
+excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed the Ambassador, &#8220;something gone wrong with the Dodo?
+Here, what&#8217;s the matter with you?&#8221; he continued, giving the bird a
+shake.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo didn&#8217;t budge an inch, but continued in the same position, his
+eyes fixed in a stony stare.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t think what&#8217;s wrong with him,&#8221; declared the Ambassador, with a
+puzzled expression on his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps he&#8217;s turned into stone, like the others,&#8221; suggested Dick,
+mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; said the Ambassador, clapping his hand to his forehead in a
+dramatic manner; &#8220;<i>that&#8217;s</i> what it is, depend upon it. Good gracious!
+<i>how</i> unfortunate. Let&#8217;s see, what did I say when pronouncing the
+spell?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, after mentioning most of the creatures&#8217; names, you said, &#8221;and all
+other prehistoric wretches.&#8221; I remember quite well,&#8221; said Marjorie,
+&#8220;because I thought at the time it was rather rude of you to call them
+wretches.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_238" id="pg_238">238</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! Then <i>he</i> must have been a prehistoric wretch,&#8221; said the
+Ambassador, absently. &#8220;Dear me! I always knew he was extinct, but I had
+no idea he was antediluvian as well. That accounts for a lot of things.
+No wonder he was eccentric.&#8221; And he gazed at the Dodo quite sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:258px">
+<a name="illus-056" id="illus-056"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00247.jpg" alt="The Dodo was rigid, motionless." title="" width="258" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Dodo was rigid, motionless.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, well,&#8221; he resumed, &#8220;it can&#8217;t be helped now. We must make the best
+of a bad matter; all the talking in the world won&#8217;t restore him to life
+again.&#8221; And he turned to the Little Panjandrum and entered into a lengthy
+conversation with him in their native language, which the children could
+not understand in the least.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_239" id="pg_239">239</a></span>The Little Panjandrum seemed greatly distressed at the disaster which
+had befallen the Dodo, and, it appeared, insisted upon a monument being
+erected to his memory. Thereupon the Ambassador, by a brilliant
+inspiration, thought of the novel plan of making the bird act as his own
+statue.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As he is turned into stone,&#8221; said he, &#8220;we have only to find a pedestal
+to put him on, and there we are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A little way off, a stone Cupid, rather the worse for wear, stood beside
+the pathway, and this, the Ambassador decided, should be removed to make
+way for the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>The united efforts of the Little Panjandrum&#8217;s suite (who had by this
+time returned, having been assured that the creatures which had so
+alarmed them had been rendered harmless) soon succeeded in overthrowing
+Cupid from his pedestal, and after a great deal of pulling, pushing, and
+straining, the Dodo, still posing in his grotesque attitude, was stuck
+up in his place.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There must be an inscription,&#8221; said the Ambassador, and, rummaging
+about in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_240" id="pg_240">240</a></span> pockets, he brought forth a piece of black crayon. &#8220;<span class="smcap">The
+Dodo, now fortunately extinct</span>,&#8221; he wrote in large letters, and then
+stood back to admire the effect.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:321px">
+<a name="illus-057" id="illus-057"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00249.jpg" alt="The Dodo&#39;s Monument." title="" width="321" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Dodo&#39;s Monument.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Little Panjandrum beamed approval, and calling together his suite,
+the Black Attendant<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_241" id="pg_241">241</a></span> once more raised the State Umbrella over His
+Importance&#8217;s head, and the tom-tom and Jew&#8217;s harp began their strange
+music, while the Ambassador took a hurried leave of the children, and
+the cort&egrave;ge passed out of sight. Fainter and fainter grew the sound of
+the instruments, and the children, somewhat alarmed at being left all
+alone, were half undecided whether to follow or not, when their
+attention was called to a smothered giggling at the back of them.</p>
+
+<p>Turning around, they beheld the Dodo holding his hands to his sides, and
+shaking with suppressed laughter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ho! ho! ho!&#8221; he laughed, dancing about on the pedestal, &#8220;haven&#8217;t I
+tricked them beautifully? <i>Turned to stone! The Dodo, now fortunately
+extinct!</i> Ha! ha! ha! he! he! <i>what</i> a lark! They&#8217;ll find I&#8217;m not so
+extinct as they think.&#8221; And, jumping down, he made a grimace in the
+direction in which the Little Panjandrum and suite had vanished.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I&#8217;ve got the best of them <i>this</i> time,&#8221; he continued,
+triumphantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_242" id="pg_242">242</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But come, let&#8217;s get out of this as soon as possible. You want to get to
+London, don&#8217;t you? Let&#8217;s start at once, if not sooner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, I say, what are we going to do for money?&#8221; said Dick. &#8220;One can&#8217;t
+get to London without that, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we&#8217;ll find a way somehow,&#8221; said the Dodo, hopefully. &#8220;Come along.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So the children all trudged back to the Palace again. Fidge, who was
+very glad to see his old friend the Dodo restored to life again,
+wouldn&#8217;t leave his side, but trotted along with him, chatting merrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; said the Dodo, as they went up the steps leading into the great
+hall, &#8220;there&#8217;s my old friend the Missionary; perhaps he will be able to
+help us out of our difficulty.&#8221; And going up to the gentleman, he gave
+him a playful pat on the shoulder, and exclaimed, pleasantly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here we are again, you see!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Missionary started nervously, and peered at the Dodo through his
+glasses.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh&mdash;er&mdash;how do you do?&#8221; he cried,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_243" id="pg_243">243</a></span> hurriedly, giving a rather startled
+glance all round him. &#8220;Are your other friends with you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:304px">
+<a name="illus-058" id="illus-058"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00252.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;You&#39;re very good,&#39; said the Dodo.&#34;" title="" width="304" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;You&#39;re very good,&#39; said the Dodo.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, you mean the Eter&aelig;darium, and the Pal&aelig;otherium. No&mdash;they&mdash;er,
+they&#8217;ve met with a rather nasty accident. They&#8217;ve been turned into
+stone.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bless me!&#8221; exclaimed the Missionary, looking greatly concerned. &#8220;You
+don&#8217;t say so!<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_244" id="pg_244">244</a></span> What an extraordinary thing to happen. I had no idea that
+there were any petrifying waters hereabouts.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, they&#8217;re turned to stone, anyhow,&#8221; said the Dodo, &#8220;down by the
+lake there. It&#8217;s rather awkward for us, you see, because we can&#8217;t stop
+here forever by ourselves, and we haven&#8217;t any money to get home with.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My dear Sir,&#8221; said the Missionary, generously taking out his purse,
+&#8220;can I be of any assistance to you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s very kind of you,&#8221; said the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not at all,&#8221; cried the Missionary, heartily, pressing some money into
+the Dodo&#8217;s glove, which, of course, immediately fell off and
+disconcerted the Missionary very much, while the Dodo scrambled about
+and picked up the scattered coins.</p>
+
+<p>The children thought it very kind of the Missionary to lend them the
+money, and Dick and Marjorie went up to him and thanked him very
+politely; and then, having done this, the whole party hurried off to the
+train.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_245" id="pg_245">245</a></span>
+<a name="FIRST_CLASS_TO_LONDON_5160" id="FIRST_CLASS_TO_LONDON_5160"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+<h3>FIRST CLASS TO LONDON.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The railway station at the Crystal Palace was soon reached, and the Dodo
+went boldly up to the booking-office and demanded some tickets for
+London.</p>
+
+<p>The Ticket-clerk, who could only see the top of the Dodo&#8217;s head, very
+naturally mistook him for an old gentleman without his hat, and
+inquired, politely, &#8220;What class, Sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was a puzzler, and the Dodo went back to Dick and told him that the
+gentleman in the office wanted to know what class they were in.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What does he mean?&#8221; asked Dick.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What class you&#8217;re in at school, I suppose,&#8221; said the Dodo, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I&#8217;m in the fourth form,&#8221; said Dick; &#8220;but I don&#8217;t see what he wants
+to know <i>that</i> for, unless&mdash;Oh yes, of course, I see&mdash;he wants to find
+out how old we are, because up to twelve years of age you can travel
+half-price, you know. Let&#8217;s see&mdash;we only want halves, Marjorie and<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_246" id="pg_246">246</a></span>
+Fidge and myself; you&#8217;ll have to get a whole ticket, I suppose, though I
+have seen a notice at a railway station somewhere, on which it stated,
+&#8221;Soldiers and Dogs half-price.&#8221; Perhaps it applies to birds, too. You
+had better ask, I think.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So the Dodo went back to the booking-office again and inquired, &#8220;Do
+birds travel half-price?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Birds!&#8221; exclaimed the Booking-clerk. &#8220;Nonsense! There is no charge for
+birds, unless you have a quantity,&#8221; he added, as an afterthought. &#8220;How
+many have you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, there&#8217;s only one,&#8221; said the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take it in the carriage with you, no charge,&#8221; said the Clerk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks! It&#8217;s awfully kind of you,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;I&#8217;ll take three
+half-tickets for London, then, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First class?&#8221; inquired the Clerk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No! Fourth form, please,&#8221; said the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean fourth <i>class</i>, I suppose,&#8221; said the Clerk, laughing; &#8220;but
+there <i>is</i> no fourth class, you know. First, second, or third.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_247" id="pg_247">247</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! then I&#8217;ll have third; I suppose that&#8217;s the best?&#8221; cried the Dodo.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:336px">
+<a name="illus-059" id="illus-059"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00256.jpg" alt="&#34;You can&#39;t take that into the carriage with you.&#34;" title="" width="336" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;You can&#39;t take that into the carriage with you.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; explained the Clerk, &#8220;first class is best.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What a funny arrangement,&#8221; said the Dodo.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_248" id="pg_248">248</a></span> &#8220;I should have thought the
+third would have been an improvement on the first; but, however, let&#8217;s
+have the first-class tickets, please. When does the train start?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s one due in directly,&#8221; said the Clerk. &#8220;Down the steps on the
+right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And the Dodo, collecting his change, and grasping his tickets, marched
+off towards the barrier.</p>
+
+<p>The Clerk, whose curiosity was aroused by the strange questions which
+had been addressed to him, came to the window to have a better view of
+his interrogator, and was just in time to catch sight of the Dodo
+walking off with the three children.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I never!&#8221; he exclaimed, perfectly astounded at this strange
+sight. &#8220;And he asked if birds traveled at half-price, too! Well, I&#8217;ve
+had some odd customers here at the Crystal Palace, but never a one like
+that before.&#8221; And he went back to his work in a highly-bewildered frame
+of mind.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Dodo and the children, finding no one at the barrier to
+obstruct them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_249" id="pg_249">249</a></span> went down to the platform, and a moment later the train
+came dashing into the station.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First class in the middle of the train,&#8221; shouted Dick, grasping Fidge&#8217;s
+hand, and hurrying down the platform.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here! where are you going to with that bird?&#8221; shouted a voice behind
+them, and Dick and the Dodo turned around and walked slowly back to
+where the Guard, an elderly and very important-looking man, stood
+regarding them sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, it&#8217;s all right; the gentleman up-stairs said there was no charge
+for birds,&#8221; explained the Dodo, importantly, thinking that the man was
+inquiring about his ticket.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;H&#8217;m! sort of a big parrot, I suppose, Sir?&#8221; said the Guard, addressing
+Dick, and not taking the slightest notice of the Dodo&#8217;s remark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Parrot, indeed!&#8221; shouted the bird, indignantly. &#8220;Perhaps you haven&#8217;t
+noticed my gloves and necktie?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Guard smiled indulgently. &#8220;Talks well, Sir,&#8221; he said to Dick, &#8220;but
+you can&#8217;t take <i>that</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_250" id="pg_250">250</a></span> into the carriage with you, you know. Better put
+him in the van.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:367px">
+<a name="illus-060" id="illus-060"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00259.jpg" alt="All crowded around, anxious to catch a glimpse." title="" width="367" /><br />
+<span class="caption">All crowded around, anxious to catch a glimpse.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;How dare you?&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;You&#8217;ll do nothing of the sort, I can
+tell you.&#8221; And despite the protests of the Guard he strutted up the
+platform and entered a first-class carriage, followed by the children.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_251" id="pg_251">251</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was no further time for argument, as the train was even now late
+in starting; so the Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag, and,
+after an answering toot from the engine, they were off.</p>
+
+<p>They had the carriage all to themselves, and a moment or two after
+starting Marjorie discovered that somebody had left a little illustrated
+Magazine on one of the seats.</p>
+
+<p>They all crowded round to look at the pictures, and presently the Dodo
+exclaimed, excitedly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hullo! Look here! Why, here&#8217;s a situation that would just suit
+me:&mdash;&#8221;Typewriter wanted; must be quick and accurate, and of undoubted
+respectability. Hours, nine till six. Liberal salary to suitable
+person.&mdash;Apply to A. B. C., Suffolk House, Norfolk Street, Strand.&#8221; It&#8217;s
+the very thing! With the liberal salary, I shall be able to take a house
+somewhere in London, and we can all live together, and have the jolliest
+larks. We&#8217;ll keep a horse and trap, you know, and I&#8217;ll buy you each a
+bicycle, and we&#8217;ll go to the Pantomime every evening, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_252" id="pg_252">252</a></span> to Madame
+Tussaud&#8217;s, and the Zoo, and the Tower of London, and Masklyne and
+Cook&#8217;s, and other things every day&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; he went on
+breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But do you know how to do typewriting?&#8221; asked Dick, dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well&mdash;er, not exactly,&#8221; admitted the Dodo; &#8220;but,&#8221; he added, hopefully,
+&#8220;I can soon learn, you know; and, besides, the advertisement fits me
+exactly. I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;m quick and accurate; and as for my respectability,
+look at my gloves! I&#8217;m sure any one would engage me directly they saw
+what a superior person I was.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How much do you think the salary will be?&#8221; asked Marjorie.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t know. I suppose they&#8217;ll be glad to pay me anything I like
+to ask,&#8221; replied the Dodo, &#8220;and I shall be sure to ask enough, you may
+be certain of that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But how are we to get to Norfolk Street, Strand?&#8221; persisted Marjorie.
+&#8220;We don&#8217;t know where it is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Father said, that if we were ever lost, we were to jump into a cab, and
+ask to be driven to<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_253" id="pg_253">253</a></span> wherever we wanted to go,&#8221; suggested Dick,
+practically.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:370px">
+<a name="illus-061" id="illus-061"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00262.jpg" alt="&#34;Kept the cabby highly amused.&#34;" title="" width="370" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Kept the cabby highly amused.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course,&#8221; said the Dodo, &#8220;just what I intended doing.&#8221; And then he
+rattled on about what he should do, and buy, when he got the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_254" id="pg_254">254</a></span> situation,
+till at last the train stopped, and the Porter shouted out, &#8220;Victoria!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They all hurried out, and, disregarding the curious glances which their
+unusual appearance excited, made their way to the nearest hansom, and
+asked to be driven to Norfolk Street.</p>
+
+<p>There was some little difficulty at first, as to how they should all
+find room in the cab, but it was finally decided that the Dodo should
+sit on the top, while the three children managed to find room inside.</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, from his elevated position, had a capital view of everything
+of interest which they passed, and kept the cabby highly amused by his
+exceedingly na&iuml;ve remarks about them all; while, to every exclamation of
+surprise or derision, which met them on every side from astounded street
+boys, the remarkable bird had something droll and amusing to say in
+reply. In fact, the driver declares to this day, that he never before or
+since has had so extraordinary a fare.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_255" id="pg_255">255</a></span>
+<a name="THE_DODO_OBLIGES_WITH_A_SONG_5346" id="THE_DODO_OBLIGES_WITH_A_SONG_5346"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+<h3>THE DODO OBLIGES WITH A SONG.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold hard! Stop! Here we are!&#8221; cried the Dodo, soon after they had
+reached Charing Cross. &#8220;There&#8217;s A. B. C.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We haven&#8217;t got to Norfolk Street yet,&#8221; said the cabby.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind, there&#8217;s A. B. C., and that&#8217;s who I want,&#8221; declared the
+Dodo, scrambling down from the roof. &#8220;You stay in the cab till I come
+back,&#8221; he called out to the children, smoothing his gloves and settling
+his tie as he walked towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>The children watched him enter, and through the glass door of the
+shop&mdash;for it was a shop into which he had gone&mdash;saw him engaged in a
+lengthy conversation with a young lady, who at first seemed afraid of
+him; but, some more ladies coming up, they closed around the bird, and
+seemed to be highly amused at something,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_256" id="pg_256">256</a></span> while the Dodo grew more and
+more excited, waving his pinions about, and stamping his claws
+furiously, and finally rushing out of the shop and slamming the door too
+violently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never heard of such impertinence,&#8221; he declared, puffing and blowing
+in his excitement, &#8220;putting up A. B. C., when they are nothing of the
+sort. They wanted to tell me that they have a right to use those
+letters, because they are the Aerated Bread Company. What rubbish! They
+might as well stick up X. Y. Z. Who&#8217;s to know what&#8217;s meant? Aerated
+Bread Company, indeed! It might as well have stood for Antediluvian
+Bottlewashing Company. Bah! I&#8217;ve no patience with such nonsense.&#8221; And in
+a highly-ruffled state of mind he scrambled back to his place on the
+roof, and told the cabby to drive on to Norfolk Street.</p>
+
+<p>After a few minutes&#8217; ride they stopped outside a handsome building, and
+the Dodo once more alighted, and went up the steps to where a man in
+brown livery, with gilt buttons, stood by the lift.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you A. B. C.?&#8221; demanded the Dodo,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_257" id="pg_257">257</a></span> posing in what he evidently took
+to be a dignified attitude.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;N&mdash;no&mdash;second floor!&#8221; gasped the astonished attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear me, what a bother,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;Just go and tell him I&#8217;m here,
+will you?&#8221; he said; &#8220;I&#8217;ve come about the situation, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh!&#8221; said the man, &#8220;you&#8217;d better go up; there are several applicants
+already.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bless me!&#8221; cried the Dodo, in alarm. &#8220;I&#8217;d better hurry then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you go up in the lift&mdash;er&mdash;Sir?&#8221; asked the attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; demanded the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, get in, and you&#8217;ll see,&#8221; said the man, unceremoniously, pushing the
+bird into the lift, and getting in after him.</p>
+
+<p>He pulled the rope, and up they went, the Dodo sinking to the ground
+with a ridiculous sprawl as the lift ascended.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! Oh! Stop!&#8221; he screamed, shrilly.</p>
+
+<p>But the lift went till the second floor was reached, when the attendant
+opened the door, and bundled the bird out into the passage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_258" id="pg_258">258</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Second door on the left,&#8221; he called out, and, pulling the string, was
+soon out of sight again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious!&#8221; gasped the bewildered Dodo, &#8220;I was never so bustled
+about before in all my life. But now for this A. B. C., whoever he is. I
+mustn&#8217;t lose the situation if I can help it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The second door on the left was soon found, and the Dodo knocked with
+his beak.</p>
+
+<p>A small youth appeared, who at first seemed rather alarmed, but
+presently exploded into a half-stifled laugh. &#8220;My hat!&#8221; he exclaimed.
+&#8220;Here&#8217;s a go! Why, blessed if it ain&#8217;t a bird with gloves on&mdash;and a
+tie&mdash;oh! what a lark!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said the Dodo, with dignity, &#8220;not a lark&mdash;your education must have
+been sadly neglected, my good boy&mdash;I&#8217;m a Dodo, or <i>the</i> Dodo, in fact.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I never!&#8221; said the boy, &#8220;if it isn&#8217;t talking!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course. Why not?&#8221; demanded the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! oh! this is too good! What may your business be, Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;Dodo?&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_259" id="pg_259">259</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve come about the situation,&#8221; said the bird, smoothing his gloves
+consequentially.</p>
+
+<p>The boy exploded into a fit of laughter. &#8220;Oh, come in!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;This
+is better than a circus&mdash;come in&mdash;I&#8217;ll tell the Governor you&#8217;re here.&#8221;
+And the Dodo was ushered into a room where two or three gentlemen were
+sitting at high desks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who is it, Perkins?&#8221; said one of the gentlemen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some one about the situation, Sir,&#8221; said Perkins, stuffing his
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself laughing aloud.</p>
+
+<p>The gentlemen all turned around and stared at the Dodo.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, it&#8217;s a bird!&#8221; cried one.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course it is; what else did you expect I was?&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;Are
+you A. B. C.?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No&mdash;no,&#8221; stammered the man. &#8220;I&#8217;m the Head Clerk, though, and&mdash;I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve no time to waste with Head Clerks,&#8221; said the Dodo. &#8220;Just go and
+tell A. B. C. I&#8217;m here, will you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But er&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_260" id="pg_260">260</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At this moment an inner door opened, and another gentleman stepped into
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever is all this noise&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; he began, when he caught sight of the
+Dodo.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:327px">
+<a name="illus-062" id="illus-062"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00269.jpg" alt="&#34;Do&mdash;o&mdash;o not&mdash;a&mdash;for&mdash;r&mdash;r&mdash;get m&mdash;e&mdash;e&mdash;e&#34;" title="" width="327" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you A. B. C.?&#8221; said the bird, pouncing upon him at once.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well&mdash;really,&#8221; said the gentleman, &#8220;I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t beat about the bush. Are you A. B. C., or are you not?&#8221; demanded
+the Dodo.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_261" id="pg_261">261</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I am, but&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, then, I&#8217;ve come to take the situation, and I&#8217;ll just draw my
+first week&#8217;s salary at once, if you please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; said the gentleman, with an amused smile, &#8220;I must see some of
+your work first. Perkins, bring the typewriter!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boy brought the instrument, and placed it on a small table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, then,&#8221; said the gentleman, motioning the Dodo towards it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! it&#8217;s so long since I played,&#8221; said the Dodo, smirking bashfully, &#8220;I
+think I have almost forgotten my notes; however, I&#8217;ll try.&#8221; And,
+throwing his head back, he shrieked out in a discordant voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Do&mdash;o&mdash;o not&mdash;a&mdash;for&mdash;r&mdash;r&mdash;get m&mdash;e&mdash;e&mdash;e</i>!&#8221; banging on the keys at
+the same time with both pinions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here! Stop! Stop!&#8221; called out the gentleman; &#8220;you&#8217;ll break it! <i>That&#8217;s</i>
+not the way to do typewriting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No?&#8221; said the Dodo, innocently. &#8220;I<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_262" id="pg_262">262</a></span> thought it was a kind of piano. I
+was singing to you, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! were you?&#8221; remarked the gentleman. &#8220;Well, don&#8217;t do it again,
+please. I can see you won&#8217;t do for us as typewriter,&#8221; he added; &#8220;but
+perhaps I can get you a good situation at the Zoological Gardens. What
+do you say to that, eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dodo, who during the first part of the speech looked very
+crestfallen, brightened up considerably.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I should think that would do,&#8221; he said; &#8220;I&#8217;ll just go and ask the
+others.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What others?&#8221; demanded the gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>And the Dodo explained about Marjorie, and Dick, and Fidge, who had been
+waiting in the cab all this time.</p>
+
+<p>The children were at once sent for, and the whole party were shown into
+the private room, where Marjorie and Dick related their marvelous
+adventures, as well as the continual interruptions of the Dodo would
+permit them to do.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_263" id="pg_263">263</a></span>
+<a name="THE_DODO_DEPARTS_5531" id="THE_DODO_DEPARTS_5531"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+<h3>THE DODO DEPARTS.</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me,&#8221; said the gentleman, kindly, when the children had
+finished the story of their adventure, and had given him their names and
+addresses, &#8220;it seems to me that the first thing to be done is to get
+some suitable clothes for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh! we never thought of that,&#8221; cried Marjorie, looking down at her bare
+feet in dismay. &#8220;You see, there have been such a lot of strange things
+happening lately that we quite forgot how we all looked. Of course,&#8221; she
+laughed, glancing at the others, &#8220;we must appear very funny indeed,
+dressed in this fashion.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! I fancy we can soon put that right,&#8221; was the kind reply. &#8220;I have
+some boys and girls of my own, you know, and I think, if I send a note
+to my wife, she will be able to find some garments that you can wear for
+the time being. And the next thing is, to let your<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_264" id="pg_264">264</a></span> father and mother
+know that you are here. I expect they must be very anxious about you by
+this time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:334px">
+<a name="illus-063" id="illus-063"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00273.jpg" alt="&#34;&#39;Oh, Papa! Papa!&#39; cried Marjorie.&#34;" title="" width="334" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;&#39;Oh, Papa! Papa!&#39; cried Marjorie.&#34;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dear me!&#8221; exclaimed Dick, looking greatly troubled, &#8220;that&#8217;s another
+thing we never thought of, Marjorie.&#8221;<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_265" id="pg_265">265</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to see my Daddy!&#8221; announced Fidge, suddenly and decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>But on being assured that he should soon do so he sat down with the
+others, and looked through the picture books which Perkins found for
+them, while the gentleman sent home for the clothes, and telegraphed to
+their father.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of the day some luncheon was brought in for them from a
+neighboring restaurant, and soon afterwards the clothes arrived.</p>
+
+<p>An Eton suit for Dick, the jacket of which was just a trifle short; a
+pretty, simple dress for Marjorie; and a sailor suit for Fidge.</p>
+
+<p>When the children had donned these, after having had a good wash, they
+looked as different as possible; and when, a little later on, they were
+led into another room with the mysterious statement, &#8220;That somebody
+wanted to see them,&#8221; they were all eagerness to know who it possibly
+could be.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the door opened, however, there could be no doubt as to who
+it was, for with a delighted cry of &#8220;Oh, Papa! Papa!&#8221; Marjorie<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_266" id="pg_266">266</a></span> rushed
+into the arms of a gentleman standing in the middle of the room, and
+seemed half undecided whether to cry or to laugh, while Fidge and Dick
+crowded around and joined in the excitement.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width:265px">
+<a name="illus-064" id="illus-064"></a>
+<img src="images/img-00275.jpg" alt="The Dodo was moved to tears." title="" width="265" /><br />
+<span class="caption">The Dodo was moved to tears.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Dodo, who had come into the room at that moment, thought that he,
+too, ought to have a share in the welcoming, and, in grotesque imitation
+of Marjorie, he tried to jump up into<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_267" id="pg_267">267</a></span> the gentleman&#8217;s arms, crying
+excitedly, &#8220;Oh, Papa! Papa!&#8221; just as she had done.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good gracious!&#8221; exclaimed the children&#8217;s father, drawing back in
+dismay, and gazing at the clumsy bird. &#8220;What on earth is this?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And then, when they tried to explain&mdash;all speaking at once&mdash;they made
+such a confusion that he was glad to put his hands to his ears, and to
+cry out that they must reserve the story till they reached home. And
+after thanking the gentleman for all his kindness, the children and
+their father said good-by, and went down to the carriage which was
+waiting at the door to drive them away.</p>
+
+<p>It had been decided, despite the children&#8217;s pleading, that the Dodo had
+better <i>not</i> go home with them; and so, with many promises to write and
+invite him soon, they took an affectionate farewell of their old friend;
+and the last view they had of him, as he stood at the window, meekly
+flourishing a limp glove, showed that he was moved to tears at having to
+part from them. What happened to him after the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_268" id="pg_268">268</a></span> children had gone I have
+never been able quite to find out.</p>
+
+<p>It <i>is</i> said that, later on in the day, a curious-looking bird was seen
+by the people in the Strand, clumsily flying away over the tops of the
+houses, clutching a roll of papers in one claw. And from away down in
+the country comes a weird story of two countrymen, walking across a
+field, being&mdash;to use their own description&mdash;&#8220;flabbergasted!&#8221; at seeing a
+great bird flying over their heads, screaming out a lot of aggravating
+personal remarks as he passed, and finally dropping, from the end of one
+of his pinions, a soiled white kid glove, the loss of which seemed to
+cause him great uneasiness; but whether&mdash;as I shrewdly suspect&mdash;this was
+the Dodo, or not, I have never actually discovered.</p>
+
+<p>The people at Suffolk House, including Perkins, maintain a most
+mysterious silence on the subject, and will afford me no information
+whatever; and the only consolation which I can find, in my endeavors to
+ascertain whether these things really happened or not, is the fact
+that,<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg_269" id="pg_269">269</a></span> on the island of the lake at the Crystal Palace, <i>all the curious
+animals which the Ambassador is said to have turned into stone, are
+really there</i>&mdash;you may see them for yourself&mdash;and I hope, when next you
+go to Sydenham, you will hunt them up. And if so, you will notice&mdash;what
+struck me as being a very conclusive proof of the truth of the
+narrative&mdash;that the Pal&aelig;otherium&#8217;s tail really looks as if it were
+broken off, about four or five inches from the end; and decidedly as
+though he <i>might</i> have worn a false one while he was alive.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:3em; text-align:center;">THE END</p>
+
+<div style="font-size:smaller">
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>A. L. Burt&#8217;s Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York</b></p>
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Joe&#8217;s Luck</b>: A Boy&#8217;s Adventures in California. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span>
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow,
+and the fellow who modestly styles himself the &#8220;Rip-tail Roarer,
+from Pike Co., Missouri.&#8221; Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and
+&#8220;Joe&#8217;s Luck&#8221; is certainly one of his best.</p>
+
+<p><b>Tom the Bootblack</b>; or, The Road to Success. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to
+better himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his
+heritage. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian
+to kill the lad. The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the
+Bootblack, came into a comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr.
+Alger&#8217;s best stories.</p>
+
+<p><b>Dan the Newsboy</b>. <span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets
+of New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care
+of the Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child
+to the house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt
+of the little heiress is so delighted with Dan&#8217;s courage and many
+good qualities that she adopts him as her heir.</p>
+
+<p><b>Tony the Hero</b>: A Brave Boy&#8217;s Adventure with a Tramp. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger,
+Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away
+and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a
+large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws
+him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided
+for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and
+Tony is prosperous. A very entertaining book.</p>
+
+<p>The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>The career of &#8220;The Errand Boy&#8221; embraces the city adventures of a
+smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted
+innkeeper named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for
+the hero&#8217;s subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York
+secures him the situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as
+his friend.</p>
+
+<p><b>Tom Temple&#8217;s Career</b>. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton
+village to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important
+mission to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are
+so startling that the reader will scarcely close the book until the
+last page shall have been reached. The tale is written in Mr.
+Alger&#8217;s most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps
+the lad to gain success and fortune.</p>
+
+<p><b>Tom Thatcher&#8217;s Fortune.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson&#8217;s factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+told in a way which has made Mr. Alger&#8217;s name a household word in so
+many homes.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Train Boy.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and
+sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+well started on the road to business prominence.</p>
+
+<p><b>Mark Mason&#8217;s Victory.</b> The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Debt of Honor.</b> The Story of Gerald Lane&#8217;s Success in the Far West. By
+<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will
+interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
+author.</p>
+
+<p><b>Ben Bruce.</b> Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger&#8217;s
+most fascinating style.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Castaways;</b> or, On the Florida Reefs. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the
+cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr.
+Otis is a prime favorite.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Wrecked on Spider Island;</b> or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Ned Rogers, a &#8220;down-east&#8221; plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers
+a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of
+treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage
+serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious
+boy could desire.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Search for the Silver City:</b> A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help
+of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from
+the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is
+effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+realism of the narrative.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Runaway Brig;</b> or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
+sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
+Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
+Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document which
+enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island
+and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be
+fascinated with this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Treasure Finders:</b> A Boy&#8217;s Adventures in Nicaragua. By James Otis.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father&#8217;s
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than &#8220;The
+Treasure Finders.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><b>Jack, the Hunchback.</b> A Story of the Coast of Maine. By James Otis. Price
+$1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, on
+the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. From
+first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us
+along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses
+its force.</p>
+
+<p><b>With Washington at Monmouth:</b> A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.</p>
+
+<p>Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied
+the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully
+drawn, and the glimpses of Washington&#8217;s soldiers which are given shown
+that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study.
+The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis&#8221;
+works.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>With Lafayette at Yorktown:</b> A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. <span class="smcap">By James Otis.</span> 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,
+illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army,
+and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with,
+and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned
+Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain in his
+memory long after that which he has memorized from textbooks has been
+forgotten.</p>
+
+<p><b>At the Siege of Havana</b>. Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the Siege of Havana&#8221; deals with that portion of the island&#8217;s history
+when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance
+given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.</p>
+
+<p>The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet.
+Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the
+tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on
+historical facts.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Defense of Fort Henry. </b> A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By <span class="smcap">James
+Otis.</span> 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can
+be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his
+gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of
+blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Capture of the Laughing Mary.</b> A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By <span class="smcap">James Otis.</span> 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington&#8217;s
+person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do
+some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American
+navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis&#8221;
+books are too well known to require any particular commendation to the
+young.&#8221;&mdash;Evening Post.</p>
+
+<p><b>With Warren at Bunker Hill.</b> A Story of the Siege of Boston. By <span class="smcap">James
+Otis.</span> 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the
+doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in
+Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows
+Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of
+Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes,
+George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of
+a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to
+read.&#8221;&mdash;Detroit Free Press.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>With the Swamp Fox.</b> The Story of General Marion&#8217;s Spies. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This story deals with General Francis Marion&#8217;s heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marion&#8217;s arrival to take command of these brave men
+and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever present
+in the mind of the reader.</p>
+
+<p><b>On the Kentucky Frontier.</b> A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the West.
+By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p>In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than that
+of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiersmen.
+Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the arrival of
+Major Clarke&#8217;s force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He
+relates that part of Simon Kenton&#8217;s life history which is not usually
+touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of
+the most entertaining books for young people which has been published.</p>
+
+<p><b>Sarah Dillard&#8217;s Ride.</b> A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By <span class="smcap">James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king&#8217;s
+troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out
+as an incident of the plot.&#8221;&mdash;Boston Journal.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Tory Plot.</b> A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By <span class="smcap">James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8221;A Tory Plot&#8221; is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or murder
+Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and are
+commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter. They
+do so, and meet with many adventures and hairbreadth escapes. The boys
+are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put
+into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase
+of the Revolution.&#8221;&mdash;Pittsburgh Times.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Traitor&#8217;s Escape.</b> A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing
+clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers in this
+country. In an historical work dealing with this country&#8217;s past, no plot
+can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the attempt
+and partial success of Benedict Arnold&#8217;s escape to New York, where he
+remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually
+figured in the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are
+included as characters.&#8221;&mdash;Albany Union.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Cruise with Paul Jones.</b> A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By <span class="smcap">James
+Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones&#8217; adventurous life when
+he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk&#8217;s plate, and the famous
+battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise
+was begun.&#8221;&mdash;Chicago Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Corporal Lige&#8217;s Recruit.</b> A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+<span class="smcap">James Otis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In &#8221;Corporal Lige&#8217;s Recruit,&#8221; Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in &#8221;58, and
+who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his &#8221;personal recruit.&#8221; The lad
+acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen &#8221;in the name of God and the
+continental congress,&#8221; infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names
+appear in this dramatic tale.&#8221;&mdash;Boston Globe.</p>
+
+<p><b>Morgan, the Jersey Spy.</b> A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+<span class="smcap">James Otis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details of
+the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived on the
+banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his dangerous
+occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown, are
+suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks his life to
+save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red
+coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes,
+told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most
+entertaining books of the year.&#8221;&mdash;Inter-Ocean.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Young Scout:</b> The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By <span class="smcap">Edward S.
+Ellis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo&#8217;s last raid.
+The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly escapes
+with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian
+stories now before the public.</p>
+
+<p><b>Adrift in the Wilds:</b> The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By <span class="smcap">Edward
+S. Ellis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Young Hero;</b> or, Fighting to Win. By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis.</span> 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the
+Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred Sheldon,
+the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them
+arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in
+discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The story is told
+in Mr. Ellis&#8217; most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read
+this delightful book.</p>
+
+<p><b>Lost in the Rockies.</b> A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.</p>
+
+<p>Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and
+at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+in the Rockies and among the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 53-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>A Jaunt Through Java:</b> The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain. By
+<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Boy Patriot.</b> A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this
+story.&#8221;&mdash;Journal of Education.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Yankee Lad&#8217;s Pluck.</b> How Bert Larkin Saved his Father&#8217;s Ranch in Porto
+Rico. By <span class="smcap">Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the
+story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This will, we
+think, prove one of the most popular boys&#8217; books this season.&#8221;&mdash;Gazette.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Brave Defense</b>. A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+<span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during the
+Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., in
+1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls,
+either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on
+the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey
+Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave
+comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something
+more than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity,
+of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable
+in the arena of life.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Young Minuteman</b>. A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in 1777.
+By <span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British
+occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William
+Northrop belong to &#8220;the coast patrol.&#8221; The story is a strong one,
+dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling
+adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will
+find not only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his
+own patriotism and love of country are deepened.</p>
+
+<p><b>For the Temple:</b> A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. With
+illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Henty&#8217;s graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance to
+Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the
+world. The book is one of Mr. Henty&#8217;s cleverest efforts.&#8221;&mdash;Graphic.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+
+<hr class="dashed" />
+
+<p><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Roy Gilbert&#8217;s Search:</b> A Tale of the Great Lakes. By <span class="smcap">Wm. P. Chipman</span>.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with
+two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The
+three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. Afterwards the
+lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later
+on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly,
+self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Slate Picker:</b> The Story of a Boy&#8217;s Life in the Coal Mines. By <span class="smcap">Harry
+Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This is a story of a boy&#8217;s life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book
+of extreme interest to every boy reader.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Boy Cruisers;</b> or, Paddling in Florida. By <span class="smcap">St. George Rathborne</span>.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with a
+pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in the
+Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and Andrew gets
+into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just
+how to interest the boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat
+will do well to read this entertaining story.</p>
+
+<p><b>Captured by Zulus:</b> A Story of Trapping in Africa. By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads
+escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They
+are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells
+exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native
+stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.</p>
+
+<p><b>Tom the Ready;</b> or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class="smcap">Randolph Hill</span>. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune&#8217;s ladder to wealth and
+the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.</p>
+
+<p><b>Captain Kidd&#8217;s Gold:</b> The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+<span class="smcap">James Franklin Fitts</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p>
+
+<p>There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea of
+buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese
+and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There were
+many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul
+Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable treasure
+buried by two of Kidd&#8217;s crew. The hero of this book is an ambitious,
+persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to
+reach the island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing
+tales for our youth that has come from the press.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 23541-h.txt or 23541-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/5/4/23541">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/4/23541</a></p>
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+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+</pre>
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dick, Marjorie and Fidge, by G. E. Farrow,
+Illustrated by Allan Wright
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Dick, Marjorie and Fidge
+       A Search for the Wonderful Dodo
+
+
+Author: G. E. Farrow
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2007  [eBook #23541]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Roger Frank and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 23541-h.htm or 23541-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/5/4/23541/23541-h/23541-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/3/5/4/23541/23541-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE
+
+A Search for the Wonderful Dodo
+
+by
+
+G. E. FARROW
+
+Author of Adventures in Wallypug Land
+
+With Many Illustrations by Allan Wright
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The skipper found the poor bird looking the picture of
+misery. "Hope you're feeling better, sir," he said.--Page 132. _Dick,
+Marjorie and Fidge_.]
+
+
+
+A. L. Burt, Publisher, 52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+
+
+TO MY DEAR LITTLE FRIENDS.
+
+Here is another book! I hope it will be as fortunate in pleasing you, as
+the others seem to have been, if I may judge from the many kind and
+gratifying letters which have reached me from boys and girls, of all
+ages and sizes, and from all parts of the world.
+
+And in connection with these letters, which I always try (though the
+pleasurable task grows heavier year by year) to answer myself, I have
+had the misfortune to lose a large packet of unanswered ones; so if any
+of my little correspondents have written to me during the past year, and
+have not received a reply, will he or she write to me again, and give me
+an opportunity of repairing the omission?
+
+I am getting quite proud of my gallery of photographs, which my little
+friends have sent me, and which, I think, please me almost more than
+anything else, if I may except a beautiful Persian kitten which has
+come as a present from a little girl at Hereford, and which is a prime
+favorite with every one here, including Dick, my little terrier,
+who--although he ought to know better at his age, being over
+eight--"galumphs" about in an absurdly clumsy manner, under the mistaken
+impression that he is playing with it. He only succeeds, however, in
+making himself ridiculous in the eyes of the kitten, who, despite his
+years, treats him with little or no respect, and does not hesitate to
+box his ears, and bite his tail whenever it feels so disposed.
+
+But I see my space is nearly exhausted, so must conclude, with very best
+wishes, and hoping to hear again from all of my old friends, and as many
+new ones as care to write.
+
+Believe me,
+Your affectionate friend,
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+CHAPTER                                                             PAGE
+
+         I. THE BEGINNING OF A MARVELLOUS JOURNEY                      1
+        II. THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY                              12
+       III. THE SAGE IN THE ONION FIELD                               24
+        IV. STORIES AND TAILS BY THE SAGE                             35
+         V. THE KING OF THE FISHES                                    47
+        VI. IN THE KING'S PRESENCE                                    59
+       VII. THE HUMAN RACE                                            68
+      VIII. THE DODO AT LAST                                          80
+        IX. AT THE NORTH POLE                                         92
+         X. SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES                                   102
+        XI. THE SKIPPER OF THE "ARGONAUT"                            113
+       XII. THE ARCHAEOPTERYX                                         125
+      XIII. THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM'S BALLOON                          135
+       XIV. THE DUFF AND DEM EXECUTIONER                             145
+        XV. THE EXECUTION OF THE DODO                                155
+       XVI. THE PREHISTORIC DOCTOR                                   165
+      XVII. WAITING FOR THE TRAIN                                    175
+     XVIII. A NIGHT IN THE TRAIN                                     185
+       XIX. AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE                                    195
+        XX. A DIFFICULTY WITH THE ROUNDABOUT                         216
+       XXI. THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM AT LAST                            217
+      XXII. TURNED TO STONE                                          228
+     XXIII. THE DODO'S LITTLE RUSE                                   236
+      XXIV. FIRST CLASS TO LONDON                                    245
+       XXV. THE DODO OBLIGES WITH A SONG                             255
+      XXVI. THE DODO DEPARTS                                         263
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BEGINNING OF A MARVELOUS JOURNEY.
+
+
+"Dick! Dick! Wake up, I want to tell you something." Marjorie stood
+outside the boy's bedroom door, and called in as loud a whisper as she
+dared, fearing lest she should awaken the rest of the household. There
+was a scuffle and a patter of bare feet inside, and Dick appeared at the
+door rubbing his eyes, evidently only half awake.
+
+"What's up?" he demanded.
+
+"Hush! don't make a noise. There's such a funny sound down-stairs--I
+believe it's burglars. Listen!"
+
+"Pooh! this time in the morning. What nonsense."
+
+"Well it's been going on for ever so long, anyhow, and hark, there's
+something keeps banging about like anything in the breakfast-room."
+
+Dick ran to the top of the stairs and listened. Sure enough, there was a
+most mysterious noise going on below,--a dull banging at regular
+intervals, and a curious lapping sound, as though there was water in the
+lower part of the house.
+
+"Let's go and see what's up!" said Dick promptly.
+
+"Me too," said a shrill treble voice, and a little curly-headed
+apparition came running out of the bedroom, flourishing a wooden spade.
+
+"No! you cut along into bed again, Fidge," cried Dick.
+
+"Want to go and see the bur-ge-lers!" declared Fidge, pushing past them,
+and racing down the stairs.
+
+"Come back, you scamp," cried Dick, running after him; but with a saucy
+and defiant laugh Fidge sped down to the first landing.
+
+"Ooh!" he cried, looking over the banisters, "It's all drownded; look,
+Dick! quick!"
+
+Dick and Marjorie hurried down and leaned over the banisters too.
+
+"Hullo! what a lark!" exclaimed Dick. "There's been a high tide, and the
+house is flooded. Come on, this is ripping!" and the boy dashed
+down-stairs, followed by the others.
+
+The breakfast-room door stood open, and, wading ankle deep in water, the
+children soon reached it. An extraordinary sight met their eyes.
+
+The French windows were open, and the curtains were blowing about in the
+breeze, while the sea had risen so high that the white-capped waves were
+flowing quite into the room, in which the utmost confusion prevailed.
+Chairs and various light articles were strewn about in all directions,
+and the table, by some mysterious process, had been turned completely
+over, and was floating about with its legs sticking up in the air. It
+was evidently the noise which that had made, dashing against the door,
+which had awakened Marjorie.
+
+[Illustration: "The waves were flowing into the room."]
+
+The children stood silently regarding it for a moment, and then Fidge,
+with a delighted exclamation cried, "I want a ride in the boat," and
+began to scramble into the overturned table.
+
+"Oh! yes, jolly!" cried Dick, following his example; and in a moment all
+three children were comfortably ensconced in the novel craft.
+
+Dick found a stick floating about, which he used as a punting pole, and
+soon had the table through the window and out into the garden.
+
+"I'll be captain," he cried, "and you and Fidge shall be passengers,
+Sis." The drawer of the table turned upside down made a capital upper
+deck, and Marjorie settled herself very comfortably upon it, after Dick
+had rigged up what he was pleased to call an awning with a little
+table-cloth, and a piece of string which he had in the pocket of his
+pyjamas.
+
+Fidge, however, had no idea of remaining inactive, and insisted upon
+taking a part in the management of the craft, and so Dick made him the
+"Bosun," and set him to work rowing with his little wooden spade.
+
+Out in the garden the water became deeper, and Captain Dick's pole would
+not reach the bottom; still, owing to some mysterious influence, their
+curious boat drifted merrily on, and the children did not puzzle
+themselves in the least as to the cause of their progress. It was quite
+enough for them to notice how strange and unnatural the gardens and all
+the familiar surroundings appeared in their present inundated state. The
+rosebushes and hedges looked so funny, growing out of the water, and
+there were such a lot of curious things floating about--a hen-coop, a
+wash-tub, and an old hamper had hurried past; and their boat had drifted
+as far as the gate leading out into the roadway, when Marjorie jumped up
+and pointed excitedly to something floating rapidly towards them.
+
+"Look! Dick, look! there's an old turkey on a chair coming along."
+
+As the object drew nearer, however, they could see that it was not a
+turkey, or, indeed, any bird with which they were familiar, but a most
+curious-looking creature. It had an oddly-shaped beak, webbed feet, and
+a funny great tuft of feathers for a tail.
+
+"Why, the thing has gloves on!" cried Captain Dick.
+
+"And a blue bow around its neck," chimed in Fidge, his eyes dancing with
+excitement.
+
+"Ship ahoy!" shouted the bird, as it came close up to the table.
+
+"Good gracious! Why it can talk," said Marjorie.
+
+"Talk! Of course I can," answered the bird. "Why not, pray?"
+
+"Well, birds don't generally talk, except parrots," added Marjorie, as
+an afterthought.
+
+"Parrots!" exclaimed the bird, stamping furiously on the seat of the
+chair; "I hate 'em--nasty, showy, pretentious, ill-bred creatures;
+regular shrieking hypocrites, that's what I call 'em."
+
+"What sort of a bird are you, then?" asked Dick.
+
+"I'm a Dodo," said the creature, with a consequential air.
+
+"Oh! then you are extinct," said Dick. "I read it in a natural history
+book."
+
+"Yes, I am," admitted the Dodo. "It's lovely being extinct," he added,
+complacently. "Have you ever tried it?"
+
+"Good gracious, no," cried Dick.
+
+"What does it mean, Dick, dear?" whispered Marjorie, who didn't like to
+appear ignorant.
+
+"Gone out, I think," explained Dick. "Anyhow, they say a volcano is
+extinct when it has gone out."
+
+"Yes, that's quite right," explained the Dodo, with a wink. "Haven't you
+ever heard the vulgar expression, 'Does your mother know you're out?'
+Well, where I come from, we just say, 'Is your maternal relative aware
+of your extinction?' instead. It's the same thing, you know, and sounds
+ever so much better. Then, again, it's most convenient, if any one calls
+whom you don't wish to see, just to tell the servants to say that you
+are extinct, and there is an end of the matter. But I mustn't stop all
+day, I must be off to sea."
+
+"Are you going to sea on that chair?" cried Marjorie.
+
+"Well, it's as good as a table anyhow, as far as I can see," laughed the
+Dodo. "Yes, I've an appointment with an Ichthyosaurus at the Equator at
+noon, so I must be off. Good-by. Oh! while I think of it, though, if
+you _do_ come across him, you might give him my love, and tell him that
+I'm extinct, will you please? Ha--ha--he will be amused!"
+
+"Who do you mean?" called out Dick, as the Dodo floated away on his
+chair.
+
+"The little Panjandrum," was the reply; "you are pretty sure to meet him
+sooner or later."
+
+"Oh, we're going to see the Pan--jan--de--lum," announced Fidge,
+capering about in glee. "Hooray!"
+
+In the meantime the table had drifted on till the house was quite out of
+sight, and had reached the base of the cliffs, where the smugglers' cave
+was. The children had been there ever so many times before, and knew of
+a little gap in the rocks where, if only their boat would drift near
+enough, they could land, and clamber up to the roadway again. The boat,
+however, passed the gap, and drifted straight underneath the cave, from
+whence came a confused babel of sounds.
+
+The children looked up, and a moment afterwards a crowd of the funniest
+little people imaginable came to the edge and peered over.
+
+"What rum little beggars!" cried Dick. "Just look at their eyes!"
+
+"I do believe they are Brownies, or else Gnomes!" declared Marjorie, who
+had read a great many fairy stories.
+
+"Nonsense!" said Dick, with a superior air; "there are no such things
+now-a-days."
+
+[Illustration: "A rope ladder was let down."]
+
+"Who says so?" shrieked the little people from the cave. "Come up here,
+and we'll soon show you."
+
+"Oh, yes, do!" cried Marjorie, clapping her hands; "I should love to see
+them."
+
+"I don't see how we are going to get up there," said Dick, dubiously;
+"we haven't got a ladder."
+
+"We have one," shouted the little people. "Shall we let it down?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," clamored Marjorie, and immediately afterwards a rope
+ladder was let down, and one or two of the little men hung over the
+ledge to steady it.
+
+"Come along," cried Marjorie, leading the way, while Fidge followed
+next, repeating over and over, with a delighted chuckle, "We
+are going to see the Pan--jan--de--lum! We are going to see the
+Pan--jan--de--lum!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY.
+
+
+At the top of the ladder the children found themselves in the midst of a
+crowd of curious little pigmies, dressed in all sorts of quaint and
+fantastic costumes.
+
+They were the oddest little creatures that you can possibly imagine,
+with eyes and ears that seemed to be too big for their heads, and tiny
+little spindle legs that looked quite incapable of supporting their big
+bodies.
+
+They spoke in a shrill, clear, bell-like voice, which, although they
+were such tiny creatures, could be heard distinctly.
+
+"So you don't believe in fairies, eh!" they cried, clustering about the
+children.
+
+"I do," declared Marjorie, stoutly.
+
+"Yes, and me do, too," said Fidge, looking about him delightedly.
+
+"But," objected Dick, "I've always been told that fairies, and elves,
+and gnomes, and things of that sort were merely myths, and existed only
+in the imagination of story-tellers."
+
+"He--he--he," giggled the little people. "The same old story. They told
+you that to hide their ignorance, my child."
+
+"I'm thirteen years old," declared Dick, haughtily, for he did not at
+all approve of being called a child.
+
+"Oh, are you indeed!" was the reply, amid shouts of laughter. "I suppose
+you think yourself quite a man, and are consequently too old to believe
+in the fairies, who are more than thirteen thousand years old."
+
+"You know you used to believe in them, Dick," interposed Marjorie.
+"Don't you remember how we used to enjoy that lovely fairy book Aunt May
+gave us, and dear old 'Alice in Wonderland,' and----"
+
+"That was years ago," interrupted Dick, turning very red. "I've had it
+all explained to me since that, and I don't read those kind of books
+now."
+
+"Do you read Shakespeare?" demanded one of the little folks.
+
+"Some of it," replied Dick, doubtfully.
+
+"Have you ever read 'Midsummer Night's Dream?'"
+
+"Oh, yes! Jolly! Titania, and Oberon, and Puck, and all that lot, you
+know; and the jolly little chaps that----"
+
+"Hullo! I thought you didn't believe in fairies," interrupted some one.
+
+"Oh, well, that's different, you know; that's Shakespeare, and--and----"
+
+"And what? I suppose you'll admit that he believed in them?"
+
+"Well, I suppose so," said Dick, grudgingly; "but I----"
+
+"But you imagine yourself to be cleverer than Shakespeare."
+
+"Ha--ha--ha!" laughed a chorus of little people, derisively.
+
+"Look here! I'll tell you what it is," said the first speaker, "you have
+evidently been taught by some of those wise old know-nothings, who have
+succeeded in making you as clever as themselves, and it is our intention
+to show you how ignorant you all are. I think you will believe in
+fairies before we have done with you. Now, we are gnomes, and have just
+completed a subterranean passage between here and the land of the little
+Panjandrum."
+
+[Illustration: "Four extraordinary figures came in sight."]
+
+The word _little_ was spoken so softly as to be quite indistinct. "The
+what!" cried Dick.
+
+"Sh! the _little_ Panjandrum," said the gnome, speaking the word almost
+inaudibly.
+
+"What do you say it like that for?" asked the children.
+
+"Well, you see, his Magnificence and Serene Importance is somewhat
+sensitive on the subject; there is the GRAND Panjandrum, you know."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Dick, "and the other chap doesn't like to take a back
+seat, that's it, is it? Well, who is the Little Panjandrum, anyhow?"
+
+"Sh! sh!" cried the gnomes, looking about them nervously. "You really
+mustn't say _little_ as loudly as that. Supposing any one heard you?"
+
+"Well, what if they did?" asked Dick.
+
+"O! His Serene Importance would be terribly angry, and perhaps
+would----"
+
+What the conclusion of the sentence was to have been the children never
+knew, for at that moment there was a loud clattering noise in the
+passage leading from the cave, and a moment afterwards four
+extraordinary figures came in sight.
+
+They were mounted upon ostriches, and one of them, more richly
+caparisoned than the others, had a kind of canopy attached to his
+trappings, beneath which sat a stern-faced little man with an elaborate
+turban and head-dress. He wore also a very curious collar, from which
+depended a large gold ornament of curious design. He carried in one hand
+a long pipe, and with the other guided his strange steed.
+
+[Illustration: "What do you know about the Dodo?"]
+
+The others of the party, who were evidently his attendants, each carried
+a banner emblazoned with mysterious signs and characters.
+
+The silver bells attached to the head of the ostrich, and on the top of
+the canopy over the grandee, tinkled merrily as he came forward.
+
+"In the name of the little Panjandrum," he shouted, in a loud voice, and
+immediately all the gnomes bowed respectfully almost down to the ground.
+
+"His Serene Importance and Most Magnificent Greatness is grievously
+distressed."
+
+The gnomes all brought forth little pocket-handkerchiefs, and began to
+cry.
+
+"The Dodo presented to His Worshipful Gorgeousness by the Grand
+Panjandrum himself has escaped!"
+
+The gnomes all threw up their hands in dismay.
+
+"Why, we saw it," cried Marjorie, excitedly. "Didn't we, Dick?"
+
+The little man on the ostrich turned around sharply, and after staring
+at the children for a moment, shouted--
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"I am Dick Verrinder, sir, and this is my sister Marjorie, and our
+little brother Fidge," said Dick politely. "We are spending our summer
+holiday at Mrs. Lawrence's cottage on the other side of the cliff. The
+tide rose very high this morning, and we----"
+
+"Don't tell me all that nonsense. What do you know about the Dodo?" said
+the little man, impatiently.
+
+"Why, we met it floating about on a chair, and it told us that it was
+going to the Equator to meet a--a--er--a----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It was something with a very long name," stammered Dick; "I can't quite
+remember what."
+
+"Look here," said the little man, bending forward excitedly, "that story
+won't do for me. I am the Ambassador Extraordinary of his Magnificence
+the little Panjandrum, and you tell me that you have seen the Dodo; that
+is enough. Now then! Where is it? It's no use telling me that it has
+gone off to keep an appointment with something with a long name. I say,
+where is the bird? If you don't instantly produce that Dodo I shall take
+you before the Court of Inquisitives, and let them deal with you."
+
+"But I tell you," began Dick, while Marjorie clung to his arm in
+affright, and Fidge scowled angrily at hearing his idolized big brother
+spoken to in this peremptory manner, "I tell you that we only saw it for
+a----"
+
+"That's quite enough. Don't argue the point. I shall give you one week
+from now, and if at the end of that time you do not appear at the Palace
+of the little Panjandrum with the Dodo, I shall apply to the Grand
+Panjandrum himself to have you subtransexdistricated, so there!"
+
+"But----"
+
+"Not another word. Ink! Paper! Pens!" he commanded, getting off his
+ostrich and squatting down before a flat stone, while the little gnomes
+ran hither and thither, getting in each other's way, and tripping and
+stumbling about in all directions in their eagerness to do the
+Ambassador's bidding.
+
+"Sit down!" he ordered, and the children sat down on the ground in front
+of him. There was a slight difficulty about the ink at this point, for
+the gnomes, not being quite strong enough to carry the inkstand, turned
+it over on its side to roll it forward, and of course spilled all the
+ink. They managed, however, to gather up some of it in their caps, and
+so kept the Ambassador supplied.
+
+"Now then! Know all men by these presents," he began, writing the words
+down as he spake them.
+
+"He's going to give us some presents," whispered Fidge, giving Dick a
+nudge. Dick shook his head reprovingly, and the little man continued--
+
+"That whereas three children, named respectively--what did you say your
+name was?"
+
+"Richard Greville Verrinder, Sir."
+
+"Richard Greville Verrinder, and--what's your sister's name?"
+
+[Illustration: "Dick suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet."]
+
+"Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder."
+
+"Marjorie Evelyn Verrinder, and----"
+
+"Harold Ellis Verrinder," prompted Dick.
+
+"Who's that?" inquired the Ambassador, sharply.
+
+"My little brother," was the reply.
+
+"You said his name was Fidge."
+
+"Oh, yes, but that's his nickname, you know."
+
+"I don't know anything of the sort. Now then, just keep quiet while I
+finish this document. There," he continued, when he had finished writing
+some mysterious-looking words on the paper, and had attached two
+enormous red seals to it--"that's your warrant for arresting the Dodo,
+when you have found him; and it is also an authority from the little
+Panjandrum for you at any time to become any size that you wish; to
+float through the air at will; and to live under water if necessary. So
+you have everything in your favor, and I shall expect the Dodo back in
+less than a week. Do you hear? Now I'm off."
+
+The little man mounted his ostrich, and without saying a word more to
+any one, he and his followers rode off in the direction from whence they
+had come.
+
+"Well, I never!" said Dick, picking up the scrawl which had fallen at
+his feet. "Here's a go! We've got to find that beastly old Dodo in less
+than a week, or be--what was it?"
+
+"I don't know," said Marjorie, dolefully, "it was something very long,
+and sounded dreadful."
+
+"But what's that he said about our being able to be any size that we
+wished? I'm sure I wish I was as tall as father."
+
+"Me, too," said Fidge, emphatically.
+
+"And I should love to float about in the air, I'm sure!" declared
+Marjorie.
+
+The words were scarcely out of her mouth when she felt herself wafted
+gently off her feet, while at the same moment Dick, to Fidge's intense
+surprise, suddenly shot up to the height of over six feet, and looked so
+very ridiculous, that all three of them burst out into an uncontrollable
+fit of laughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE SAGE IN THE ONION FIELD.
+
+
+"How absurd," laughed Dick, as he looked down from the--to him--enormous
+height of six feet. "What a thin, lanky-looking creature, I am, to be
+sure--and Fidge, too; he looks perfectly ridiculous"--for Fidge, also,
+was growing amazingly.
+
+"How did it happen, Dick, dear?" asked Marjorie, in an awe-stricken
+voice. "It seems so funny to be up here in the air, and yet I don't feel
+in the least frightened, do you?"
+
+"Of course not," said Dick, contemptuously. "Why, we just said we wished
+to be as tall as the Pater, you know, and it happened."
+
+"Oh, yes; and I said I should like to float in the air. I suppose we can
+always do what we want to now--how lovely! Like the 'Arabian Nights,'
+isn't it?"
+
+"I don't want to be thin, like a walking-stick," said Fidge, in a
+dissatisfied voice.
+
+"No, it's rather horrid," said Dick. "Let's see; we said as tall as the
+Pater, didn't we?--not as _big_. I wonder if that makes any difference."
+
+"I want to be as fat as old Mrs. Mofflet," said Fidge, mischievously.
+
+The words were no sooner out of his mouth than he dwindled down to his
+usual height, and spread out in girth till he exactly resembled, in
+appearance, what one looks like in a concave mirror--that is, he was
+about twice as wide as he was high.
+
+"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! That's worse than ever!" laughed the children,
+while little Fidge waddled about in an absurd way.
+
+The gnomes were highly amused, and cut the most extraordinary antics in
+their glee.
+
+"I think perhaps the best thing to do for the present would be to wish
+ourselves as we were," said Dick. "I have no doubt it wi be very
+useful by and by to be any size we like, but just now it's rather
+awkward."
+
+"Oh, let's be little, like the gnomes," cried Marjorie. "It will be such
+fun."
+
+"All right," acquiesced Dick; "here goes--I wish I were as little as the
+gnomes."
+
+"So do I," cried Marjorie.
+
+[Illustration: "He was about twice as wide as he was high."]
+
+"Me, too!" cried Fidge.
+
+To their great surprise, nothing happened. They waited a moment or two,
+staring at each other expectantly, and then Marjorie cried in a
+troubled voice--
+
+"Oh, dear! I don't believe it's going to work, and we shall have to stay
+like this forever."
+
+"What nonsense!" cried Dick.
+
+"I say! I want to be as small as the gnomes," he shouted.
+
+There was no result, however, and the children remained as they were.
+
+"Oh! I know," he cried; "I ought to have the paper that the Ambassador
+gave me in my hand. Where is it?"
+
+There was a great whispering amongst the gnomes, and at last one of them
+shouted out--
+
+"We've taken it away."
+
+"What for?" demanded Dick. "It was given to us; you had better give it
+up at once. What do you mean by it?"
+
+There was another whispered consultation, and then one of the gnomes
+said, "Let them have it for now," and the paper was put down upon the
+ground at Dick's feet.
+
+Dick stooped down and picked it up, and immediately the children began
+to dwindle down till they became as small as the little people
+themselves.
+
+They had no sooner done so than the paper which the Ambassador had given
+them was suddenly snatched from Dick's hand and a number of the gnomes
+surrounded them, dancing about, turning somersaults, playing leap-frog,
+and capering about in the maddest way.
+
+"Well, you've done it now," said one of them, tauntingly.
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Dick.
+
+"Why, we've got the paper, and you can't grow any bigger until we allow
+you to."
+
+"What a mean trick!" cried Dick, in disgust.
+
+"Well, we don't think it at all fair," said the gnomes, "that you should
+be able to grow any size that you want to, while we have to keep little,
+so we are going to keep you here for a little while, and teach you to
+believe in fairies, do you see?"
+
+"But we've got to find the Dodo in a week," expostulated Dick, "and if
+you keep us here, however are we to do that?"
+
+"Oh, please give us the paper back," begged Marjorie. "I'm sure the
+Pater will be so vexed if we never grow any bigger than this any more."
+And she began to cry a little.
+
+You see, such a lot of very unusual things had happened that she was a
+little excited and nervous.
+
+"Well, we'll think about it," said the gnomes, running away and hiding
+among the rocks.
+
+"Don't cry, Marjorie," said Dick, bravely, though he too felt a little
+anxious himself; for, you see, eleven inches is not very tall for any
+one to be, and he didn't care to admit what would happen if he went back
+to school in his present state.
+
+"Chappel Minor has always been cheeky," he thought, "and so have Martin
+and Foster, and if I keep this size they will think they can do just as
+they like with me, and probably will turn me out of the cricket eleven,
+while that little wretch of a Castleton is sure to sneak all my
+pencils--he does now when he gets a chance." However, he kept these
+doleful thoughts to himself, and devoted himself to the task of
+consoling his sister and Fidge, and had soon talked them into such a
+cheerful frame of mind, that they really began to think that it was
+rather an advantage than otherwise to have lost the paper.
+
+"For one thing, we shall not have to hunt for that old Dodo,"
+argued Dick, "because even the Grand Panjandrum himself, whoever
+he may be, could not expect us to go far away while we remain as
+little as this, and so we are not in such great danger of
+being--er--er--thingummybobbed--you know--what the Ambassador said we
+should be, if we didn't find the wretched thing."
+
+"Supposing we try and find the Ambassador," suggested Marjorie. "I don't
+think he was really very cross, only a little abrupt, you know; and we
+could explain everything to him, and perhaps he would give us a new
+paper."
+
+"All right," said Dick, leading the way. "At any rate, he will be able
+to make us grow bigger--that is, if we wish to," he added, with a fine
+affectation of unconcern.
+
+The children walked on for some time in the direction in which the
+Ambassador and his followers had disappeared, and they soon found
+themselves out of the cave and in a kind of forest.
+
+[Illustration: "A curious little old man with a flowing beard came
+toward them."]
+
+"What funny trees," said Fidge, looking up over his head.
+
+The others followed his example, and found that he had good cause for
+his surprise; the long, smooth trunks, without any leaves, ended in a
+kind of ball, while at the roots a kind of enormous bulb appeared.
+
+"Whatever can they be?" cried Marjorie, in amazement.
+
+"Onions!" was the reply, spoken by a strange voice.
+
+The children turned around, and beheld a curious little old man with a
+long flowing beard coming toward them.
+
+"Have you any other questions to ask?" he inquired, pleasantly.
+
+"It's very kind of you, Sir," said Dick, who was the first to recover
+from the surprise which they had all experienced at this sudden
+apparition. "Will you, please, tell us where we are?"
+
+"Oh," said the little man, with a smile, "this is the Field of Onions.
+And I am the Sage with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of
+Onions. And that is the Hut of curious build which belongs to the Sage
+with the snowy beard who dwells in the Field of Onions.
+
+"Is there anything else I can tell you? If so, pray ask me. I like it."
+
+"What a funny man," whispered Marjorie. "Do you think he is quite right
+in his head?"
+
+"Hush!" said Dick. "Perhaps he can direct us to the Little Panjandrum's,
+and then we can find the Ambassador easily."
+
+"Little Panjandrum's, certainly," said the Sage, answering exactly as
+though he had been spoken to himself--
+
+    "'Take the first to the right on Tuesday week,
+      The second to the left on Monday;
+    On Friday you'll not have far to seek,
+      And be sure not to travel on Sunday!'
+
+"But it's no use going at all till you've found the Dodo," he added.
+
+"Good gracious! how did you know that we were looking for it," cried
+Dick.
+
+"Oh, I know everything," said the Sage, complacently. "Did you ever know
+a Sage who didn't?"
+
+"I'm afraid I've never known one at all before, Sir," said Dick; "but I
+should think it must be very useful to know such a lot, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, it isn't bad," admitted the Sage; "would you like to know how I
+became so clever?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," cried all the children at once.
+
+Motioning them to a seat on an onion bulb, the little man struck an
+attitude, and began--
+
+    "I was brought up on Verbs of irregular kind,
+      With a Pronoun or two as a treat,
+    While a strict course of Logic, to strengthen my mind,
+      My pastors and masters thought meet.
+
+    I had Lessons for breakfast, and Sums for my tea,
+      Learnt to play the Arithmetic nicely,
+    And gained all the prizes at School--don't you see,
+      For construing Doggerel concisely.
+
+    They were Isms, and Ologies, Science, and Cram,
+      Quadratic Equations, and Butter,
+    The _Pons asinorum_, and Strawberry Jam,
+      And the Cane, did I mumble or mutter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+STORIES AND TAILS BY THE SAGE.
+
+
+"Do you mean to say," inquired Dick, when the Sage had finished, "that
+all those last things were prizes; because, if so, there isn't a single
+one of them that I should have cared for much, except the Strawberry
+Jam?"
+
+"That only shows a great want of taste on your part," said the old Sage,
+severely. "Isms and Ologies, and things of that sort, are very tasty,
+when you become used to them."
+
+"What are Isms and Ologies, if you please, Sir?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Oh, there are various kinds," was the reply. "There's Ge-Ology, for
+instance, which is lovely spread on bread-and-butter; and Zo-Ology, with
+Aphor-Ism sauce, is simply delicious."
+
+"They don't sound very nice," said Marjorie, dubiously, making a wry
+face.
+
+"You don't know anything at all about it, I'm afraid, my dear," said the
+little old man, decidedly. "You would probably prefer dolls and
+foolishness of that sort!"
+
+"Yes, I think I should," admitted Marjorie, candidly.
+
+"Do you know _everything_, please, Mr. Sage?" inquired Fidge, who had
+been very silent during this conversation, which he had not in the least
+been able to understand.
+
+"Yes, my dear," said the Sage, smiling affably.
+
+"Stories?" inquired Fidge, his eyes wide open with excitement and
+interest.
+
+The old man nodded.
+
+"Oh! do tell us one, please," begged the little boy. "The Three Bears,
+or Little Red Riding Hood, or something of that sort."
+
+"Fidge, Fidge," cried Dick, rebukingly, "you mustn't bother the
+gentleman."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind in the least," said the Sage, pleasantly. "I'll tell
+him some stories, if he likes."
+
+"Oh! thanks, that's jolly!" cried Fidge, clapping his hands, and they
+all sat down again, while the old man began as follows:--
+
+"It was on a dark winter's night, and the hot sun was pouring down upon
+the----"
+
+"Oh!" interrupted Marjorie, "I beg your pardon, but haven't you made a
+mistake? It couldn't have been dark, you know, if the sun was shining."
+
+The Sage frowned severely.
+
+"Are you telling this story, or am I?" he asked, coldly.
+
+"Oh, I beg your pardon," said Marjorie, "please go on."
+
+"Was pouring down upon the ship," continued the Sage, "and almost
+freezing the poor soldiers, who had great difficulty as it was, in
+dragging the heavy cannon up the steep side of the mountain, upon which
+he was standing; still leaning over the side of the balloon, she peered
+down eagerly into the sky. There was not a soul in sight.
+
+"Suddenly a cry of 'Fire!' rang through the town, and two or three of
+them hastily putting on their best clothes, joined the picnic party
+under the gnarled oak tree in the meadow, and their joyous laughter rang
+merrily down the old staircase, where the grandfather's clock stood,
+tick-tick-ticking, like the great volcano which yawned at their very
+feet, and into which the two boys plunged merrily, and were soon
+splashing about in the shallow water like a mahogany chest of drawers
+upon the sands of time."
+
+The Sage paused.
+
+"Do you like it?" he inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Not much, I'm afraid," said Dick. "You see, we can't quite understand
+what it's all about."
+
+"Well, neither do I," said the Sage, "because, you know, I'm making it
+up as I go along."
+
+"Then it isn't true?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"True? Nonsense! You wanted a story, didn't you? This is a real story;
+there isn't a particle of truth in it anywhere."
+
+"Oh, we didn't mean that kind of story," explained Marjorie, "we meant a
+tale."
+
+"What kind of a tale would you like--a Fishes' tale, a Birds' tale, or
+an Animals' tale?"
+
+"A birds' tale, please," said Marjorie, after consulting the others.
+
+"All right," said the Sage, "this is a lot of birds' tales all tied up
+together, and is called a fable----"
+
+[Illustration: "The gossiping goose."]
+
+"Is it one of AEsop's?" asked Dick, who thought that it would look grand
+for him to have heard of AEsop's fables.
+
+"No, it isn't," said the Sage, rather crossly; "it's one of my own! Now
+then, are you ready? I call it--"
+
+                "THE GOSSIPING GOOSE."
+
+    "A Crested Grebe, a Spoonbill, and a Goose,
+          I beg to say,
+          Met one fine day,
+    And compliments were passed the most profuse.
+
+    'How very well you look, my dear,' said one,
+          'That shade of red
+          Upon your head,
+    So sweet; and how _delightfully_ your hair is done.'
+
+    And each had gratifying things to say,
+          With gushing smile,
+          Upon the style
+    Of all the others' holiday array.
+
+    Then Mrs. Goose, with most superior sneer,
+          Said, 'Have you seen
+          That dress of green
+    That Mrs. Peacock's wearing now, my dear?
+
+    'She looks a perfect guy, and then--her feet
+          And legs! Oh, lor!
+          I never saw
+    A bird so clumsy, or so indiscreet.
+
+    'I met her at the Concert Hall last week,
+          A poor affair,
+          I do declare,
+    I wonder that the Songsters have such cheek.
+
+    'Miss Nightingale was singing far too loud;
+          I never heard
+          So harsh a bird,
+    I wonder how she dared to face the crowd.
+
+    'Miss Thrush had quite a decent voice, I hear,
+          Some years ago
+          (A score or so),
+    But now her voice is giving way, I fear.
+
+    'She sang as badly as did Mrs. Lark,
+          Who all agreed,
+          Had every need
+    Of lessons, to bring _her_ up to the mark.
+
+    'Miss Linnet had a really dreadful cough.
+          As for the rest,
+          They quite distressed
+    The company. Well, good-by, dears. I'm off.'
+
+    And, while the Spoonbill and the other bird
+          Went on their way,
+          I heard one say,
+    'That Mrs. Goose is really most absurd.
+
+    'She talks about the Peacock's gaudy dress:
+          If she prefers
+          That gray of hers,
+    I don't admire her taste, I must confess.
+    'And as for legs and feet--well, I declare,
+          The pair she's got
+          Are really not
+    The kind that I'd be seen with anywhere.
+
+    'While as for singing, that _she_ should complain
+          Of other folk
+          Is past a joke,
+    I vow I'll not be friends with her again.'
+
+    'My dear,' the other said, 'remember this:
+          A critic she
+          Of high degree,
+    For though she can't sing well, the goose can _hiss_.'"
+
+The Sage had scarcely finished when a sound of weeping and wailing was
+heard, and presently a whole troop of gnomes appeared in the onion
+field. They were crying bitterly, and to the children's great surprise
+several of them had grown enormously tall and others equally stout.
+
+They came straight up to the Sage's hut, and with tears streaming down
+their faces beseeched him to help them. They had foolishly been making
+use of the authority which the Little Panjandrum's Ambassador had given
+to the children; and although it acted one way, and made them the size
+that they wished to be, it would not turn them back again.
+
+[Illustration: "They were crying bitterly."]
+
+"And my wife and family refuse to have anything to do with me," said one
+ridiculously tall individual.
+
+"And I can't squeeze into my own house, anyhow," wept the stout one.
+
+"The only way," said the Sage, after a moment's thought, with his
+forehead wrinkled into deep furrows, "is to send the Ki-Wi to the Court
+of the Little Panjandrum for a fresh authority. It's no use your having
+this one back if it won't act properly, is it?" he inquired, turning to
+the children.
+
+"Certainly not," said Dick; "but who is the Ki-Wi, please?"
+
+"Oh, he's the Court Messenger," explained the Sage, "and is the only one
+here allowed to enter the Court of the Little Panjandrum without
+permission."
+
+"Go and fetch him," he continued.
+
+And the gnomes disappeared, returning presently with the Ki-Wi (who
+turned out to be a curious kind of bird), and the written authority,
+which had been taken from the children.
+
+"Let me look at it," said the Sage, holding out his hand for the paper.
+
+[Illustration: "Produced a large document and began to read."]
+
+"Why, no wonder it won't act for the gnomes," he exclaimed, when he had
+read it.
+
+"It mentions you all by name--just try it yourselves, will you?"
+
+Dick took the paper from him, and said loudly, "We wish to be our own
+size again."
+
+To their great delight the children at once found themselves their usual
+height, and the onions, which had looked before like huge trees, now
+only reached a little above their heads, while the Sage and the other
+gnomes looked the tiniest little creatures again.
+
+"This is better," said Dick, shaking himself as though he had come out
+of the water.
+
+"Yes, isn't it good to be ourselves once more," said Marjorie.
+
+While Fidge jumped about delightedly, breaking down several of the onion
+plants, and almost treading on the Sage's hut.
+
+"Don't caper about like a lot of lunatics," shouted the little man,
+angrily. "Come and sit down and talk business. The Ki-Wi has something
+to tell you."
+
+All excitement to know what it could be, the children sat down again,
+and the Ki-Wi after fumbling about in his coat tail for some time,
+produced a large document and began to read.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE KING OF THE FISHES.
+
+
+"Um--ah--that is to say--er--notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise
+also, and as is herein aforesaid," began the Ki-Wi, in an important
+voice.
+
+"Hold on!" cried Dick. "We can't understand all that, you know. Why
+don't you say what you have to say in English?"
+
+"It is English," declared the Ki-Wi, in an aggrieved voice, "and very
+good English too."
+
+"Of course it is," chimed in the Sage.
+
+"Well we don't understand it, anyhow," maintained Dick. "It doesn't seem
+to mean anything at all."
+
+"Perhaps, Dick, dear," said Marjorie, "Mr. Sage will explain it to us.
+Let's see--it began----"
+
+"'Notwithstanding, nevertheless, likewise, and as is herein aforesaid,'"
+repeated the Ki-Wi.
+
+"Well, I'll explain it, if you wish with pleasure," said the Sage,
+"though I can't see in the least why it should be necessary. It seems to
+me to perfectly simple. To begin with--'Notwithstanding' describes our
+position just now--Not-with-standing, or _not standing with_ the Ki-Wi.
+He is standing, while we are sitting down, you see; then 'nevertheless'
+means of course the same as _always-the-greater_, which exactly
+describes me. You see, my great learning and cleverness always makes me
+greater than the people I am speaking to, and consequently
+_never-the-less_. The next word is also descriptive of myself.
+'Likewise,' or _like a wise man_, which, I am sure, you will all agree
+that I am; and 'herein' means that my brains are all _in here_," said
+the Sage, tapping his head. "While 'aforesaid'--the last word--means
+that I have a strong head, or a _force-head_, do you see?"
+
+"Is the rest of the paper all about yourself, too, Sir?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Yes," was the complacent reply. "Go on, Ki-Wi."
+
+"I'm afraid we can't stop," interrupted Dick.
+
+"You see, we have got to hunt up that wretched Dodo, and perhaps we had
+better be going now."
+
+"Yes, we must be going now," chimed in Fidge, jumping up eagerly, for
+all this rigmarole had been very uninteresting to him.
+
+"Oh, I'm sorry you can't stay," said the Sage, in a disappointed voice.
+"I could have told you such a lot more about myself. You do think I'm
+clever though, don't you?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, immensely!" said the children, politely.
+
+"Thanks!" said the Sage. "Will you take a few onions with you as a
+memento of your visit?"
+
+"No thank you," said Marjorie, hurriedly.
+
+"They would remind you of me," suggested the Sage, wistfully; "Sage and
+onions you know."
+
+"No, thanks," said Dick, "I'm sure we shall remember you without."
+
+"Now that's _very_ kind of you," said the Sage, "and I'll do the best I
+can to help you in your search for the Dodo. Let's see, where did he say
+he was going to?"
+
+"The Equator," said Dick; "but I'm sure we can't go all that way after
+him, and get back in a week."
+
+"You could if you went by sea," said the Sage.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Dick.
+
+"Why, I could give you an introduction to the King of the Fishes, you
+know, and he _might_ lend you his dolphins; they travel at a rare pace,
+and would get you there in no time."
+
+"Oh, yes," cried Marjorie, "of course we _can_ go under the sea, don't
+you know, the paper says so. Wouldn't it be jolly, even if we didn't
+find the Dodo?"
+
+"Don't want to be drownded, and get all deaded," objected Fidge.
+
+"You wouldn't be, dear," said Marjorie. "Brother Dick wouldn't take us
+anywhere where we should come to any harm."
+
+"How should we get there, I wonder?" asked Dick, thoughtfully.
+
+"I'll show you--come along," said the Sage, getting up and leading the
+way.
+
+The children followed, and the little gnomes, now all reduced to their
+proper size, came trooping along after them.
+
+Presently they reached the edge of the cliff, and the sea, sparkling in
+the sunlight, lay at their feet some distance below.
+
+The Sage, hastily scribbling a note with a piece of pencil, thrust it
+into Dick's hand, and crying, "This is the quickest way!" deliberately
+pushed the children, one after the other, over the cliff.
+
+Before they had time to realize what had happened, or to become in the
+least alarmed, they found themselves slowly and comfortably sinking
+through the air; while a shriek of laughter from the gnomes caused them
+to look up to the edge of the cliffs, where they beheld all the little
+fellows leaning over and waving their pocket-handkerchiefs, while the
+Sage and the Ki-Wi stood in their midst.
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, as they descended, "isn't it fortunate we have the
+power to float in the air; it would have been an awful plunge otherwise,
+wouldn't it?"
+
+"Yes," agreed Dick, reaching out his hand to Fidge, who looked just a
+little wee bit frightened. "I wonder what it will be like on the sea."
+
+He had not to speculate long, however, for almost at that moment their
+feet touched the water, and they sank down, down, down through the clear
+green depths.
+
+"Oh, look!" cried Fidge, excitedly. "Fishes! Fishes!" and he started off
+swimming after them quite naturally.
+
+"One's got a hat on," he called out. "Look! look! there's another; oh,
+let's catch them!"
+
+"If you don't behave yourself you'll be locked up," said a severe voice,
+and, turning around, the children beheld a very stern-looking fish,
+wearing a helmet, and carrying a truncheon.
+
+"Now then, move on; don't obstruct the traffic!" he cried, angrily; and
+the children swimming off as hastily as they could, mentally put him
+down as a kind of sea policeman.
+
+"You certainly mustn't try and catch any of the fishes, Fidge, or you
+will be getting us all into trouble," said Dick. And Fidge, overawed by
+the policeman fish, became quiet subdued, and contented himself with a
+quiet "Look! look!" when they passed anything particularly strange or
+interesting.
+
+[Illustration: "The chair was floating just in front of them."]
+
+They had very nearly reached the bottom of the sea, when they noticed a
+singular-looking object floating some distance in front of them.
+
+"It looks like a chair!" declared Marjorie. "Why, I believe," she
+continued, as they drew nearer, "that it's the very one the Dodo was
+floating upon when we saw him last."
+
+"So it is!" cried Dick; "and look, there's a note on it--perhaps it's
+for us."
+
+They swam towards it as quickly as they could, and had just reached the
+chair, as a curious-looking fish--with a very long nose, and wearing
+shoes on the end of his long tail, and a tall hat--swam past.
+
+He looked at them inquisitively, and then stood a little way at the back
+of them, waiting till they should be disengaged.
+
+"To all to whom it may concern," read Dick, after he had picked up the
+note from off the chair. "I suppose that means us as much as any one."
+
+"Of course it does," agreed Marjorie. "It concerns us very much to find
+out where the Dodo is."
+
+Dick hesitated no longer, but opened the note eagerly. His face fell,
+however, when he beheld the contents.
+
+"_Mind your own business!_" he read, slowly. "What a sell! I believe the
+Dodo did write it, though, and intended it as a hint that we were not
+to try find and him. I'm half inclined to give it up."
+
+"But Dick, dear, remember," said Marjorie, "we shall be--er--you
+know--what the Ambassador said--if we don't find him."
+
+"Oh, ah," said Dick, "I'd forgotten that. Come on, then; let's see what
+can be done."
+
+"Can I be of any assistance?" said the thin fish, coming forward with a
+polite bow. "Have you lost anything?"
+
+"Oh, thanks," said Dick. "We're looking for a Dodo. Do you happen to
+have seen one about here?"
+
+"A Dodo," said the fish, reflectively. "I don't think I have the
+pleasure of the gentleman's acquaintance. What kind of a fish is he?"
+
+"Oh, he isn't a fish at all," explained Dick; "he is a kind of bird, you
+know."
+
+"Ah! birds we don't encourage below the surface, as a rule," said the
+fish, smiling indulgently. "You are scarcely likely to meet with him
+here. Perhaps His Majesty the King of the Fishes would advise you."
+
+"Oh, I have a letter of introduction to His Majesty," said Dick. "I'm
+afraid it's rather wet," he said, apologetically, drawing it from his
+pocket.
+
+"It would be unacceptable to His Majesty were it not so," said the fish.
+"Well, now, I _was_ going to a football match, it being a half-holiday;
+but under the circumstances, I will put it off, and escort you to the
+Palace. This way, please."
+
+Sinking down to the sand at the bottom of the sea, the fish led the way
+through a beautiful forest of waving seaweed, of all the colors of the
+rainbow. Exquisite shells were strewn about, and brightly-colored
+anemones clung to the rocks on every side, while all kinds of
+oddly-shaped fishes swam about, peering at the children curiously as
+they passed.
+
+Presently they came in sight of a kind of Palace, formed of
+quaintly-shaped pieces of coral, which, the fish explained, was where
+the King lived.
+
+"Just stay here a moment, please," said he; and the children waited
+outside while he went into the Palace.
+
+[Illustration: "'Bring them forward,' said the king of the fishes."]
+
+Fidge pulled aside a piece of seaweed, and they all peeped through a
+hole in the coral, and saw a large fish wearing a crown, and with a
+curious chain about his neck, to which was attached an enormous
+fish-hook, seated on a throne.
+
+Officers of State stood round about, and the little thin fish that had
+been so polite to them was bowing and scraping in quite a courtly
+fashion.
+
+He was evidently telling His Majesty all about them, for, after hearing
+what he had to say, the King of the Fishes nodded; and the thin fish
+came out, and informed them that they were to be admitted into the
+Presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+IN THE KING'S PRESENCE.
+
+
+"Do you understand fish-language?" whispered the little thin fish,
+hurriedly, as he was conducting them into the Presence Chamber.
+
+"I'm afraid not," replied Dick.
+
+"Then you must remain silent, for in the King's presence nothing but the
+fish-language is allowed to be spoken. I will interpret for you
+afterwards."
+
+Pushing aside some curtains of brightly-colored seaweed he led them into
+the Presence Chamber.
+
+The King received them very graciously, and held out one fin as they
+approached.
+
+"I expect we ought to kneel on one knee, and kiss it, like they do at
+presentations," whispered Marjorie.
+
+But Dick wasn't going to do anything of that sort, and just touched it
+lightly with one hand, while the others followed suit. The thin fish
+then motioned them to sit down on a kind of divan, upon which large
+sponges took the place of cushions, and which the children found to be
+most comfortable; and the audience began.
+
+The most extraordinary part about it was that not the slightest sound
+could be heard. The little thin fish opened and shut his mouth in
+little, short, jerky gasps, to which the King replied by slowly opening
+and shutting his, rolling his eyes about meanwhile, just as you may have
+seen fishes do in an aquarium.
+
+Then the little fish solemnly handed His Majesty the Sage's letter,
+which the King put on his gold-rimmed glasses to read.
+
+Having done so, he turned to the children and smiled, at least that's
+what they afterwards found out he was doing; but, really and truly, he
+made such a curious grimace that poor little Fidge was frightened, and
+wanted to run away.
+
+His Majesty then opened and shut his mouth very slowly three or four
+times, to which all the other fishes replied by swimming backwards
+three strokes, and then forward three strokes. Then the audience was at
+an end.
+
+[Illustration: "Some fishes were playing football."]
+
+The little thin fish came and whispered to the children, "It is usual
+for mortals, when leaving the presence of the King, to turn three
+somersaults backwards. Do you think you can do that?"
+
+"I'm afraid not," replied Dick, anxiously. "At least, I might be able to
+manage, but I don't know about Marjorie and Fidge."
+
+"Oh, never mind, then; I'll ask His Majesty to be good enough to excuse
+you," said the fish, and, making a low bow to the King, he explained the
+situation in a few short gasps.
+
+His Majesty thereupon left the audience chamber, having first graciously
+inclined his head towards the children.
+
+As he swam away, two little fishes attached themselves to the tip of His
+Majesty's tail, while another held the crown down on his royal head, to
+prevent it from slipping off, the rest of the audience swimming behind
+at a respectful distance, forming a sort of procession.
+
+"Well," began the thin fish, after the others had all gone, "I
+congratulate you. His Majesty had been good enough to place the Royal
+Dolphins at your disposal, and if the Dodo you are searching for is
+anywhere on, or in, the sea you ought to have no difficulty in finding
+him, for the Dolphins swim very quickly indeed, and can take you
+anywhere you like in a jiffy. Please follow me to the royal stables, and
+we will harness them."
+
+The children passed out after their kind little friend, and followed
+him into the gardens of the Palace, which they had to cross in order to
+reach the stables.
+
+Marjorie was enraptured at the sight of the beautifully-arranged
+gardens, in which brightly-colored anemones took the place of flowers.
+
+On a lawn of the finest short green seaweed, a number of globe-shaped
+fishes, with striped bodies, were playing football, and the children
+stopped a few minutes to watch the game.
+
+They were very much surprised to find that the football itself was a
+fish--a little round chap, just the shape of a football--who, on the
+players giving him a smart kick with their tail, shot up through the
+water and over the goal in no time.
+
+"Doesn't he object?" said Dick, after they had watched this performance
+for some time; "I know I should."
+
+"Oh, dear, no!" exclaimed their guide, "he enjoys it quite as much as
+the others do. You see, it's such a delightful sensation to be shot
+through the water without the effort of swimming; but, come along, we
+must be off if you are going to start to-day."
+
+"There's one little piece of advice I should like to give you in your
+search for the Dodo," he continued, kindly, as they swam along. "If you
+don't succeed in catching him one way, try another. Remember the bear
+with a cold."
+
+[Illustration: "And now he's quite well, thanks."]
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the children.
+
+"Don't you know the story of the bear with a cold?" was the reply.
+
+"No; do tell us!" they cried.
+
+[Illustration: "Come on, Marjorie, let's have a race."]
+
+"Why, you see," said the fish, "there was once an old bear, who had a
+dreadful cold, and his friends all advised him to try different things
+to cure it. One said one thing, and one another, and although he tried
+them all, one after the other, he didn't get any better; but still he
+persevered, and kept trying all the remedies they suggested, and at last
+he _was_ cured, and what do you think did it?"
+
+"What?" inquired the children.
+
+"Why, some one suggested putting his feet into hot mustard and water and
+drinking gruel--and he tried it several times with no effect; and at
+last he fortunately thought of reversing the process, so he put his feet
+into some thick gruel, and drank a lot of mustard and water, and now
+he's quite well, thanks. So don't you get discouraged if you don't find
+the Dodo at once; but, as I said before, if one way doesn't succeed, try
+another."
+
+"Thanks!" said the children, "we'll remember."
+
+Just then they found themselves before a kind of shed, built of coral,
+which the fish entered, returning shortly afterwards leading three
+curious-looking fishes by a simple sort of bridle.
+
+"Here they are!" he announced; "you will find them quite docile. Just
+mount them and see how you like their pace."
+
+The children needed no second invitation, and were soon astride their
+strange steeds.
+
+With a whisk of their tails they were soon off, dashing through the
+water at such a rate that the little thin fish had the greatest
+difficulty in keeping up with them, even for a short distance.
+
+"Oh! this is jolly!" cried Dick.
+
+"Come on, Marjorie, let's have a race."
+
+The Dolphins answered to the slightest pull at the reins, and the
+children hadn't the least fear; so, getting into a line, they waited for
+their friend the thin fish to come up and give them the signal to
+start.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE HUMAN RACE.
+
+
+The little thin fish seemed to be a long while catching them up, and,
+while they were waiting, Marjorie espied a curious figure poking about
+among the seaweed a short distance away from them.
+
+"I wonder what it is!" she cried, and the children dismounted from the
+Dolphins, and, tying them by the reins to some coral stumps, so that
+they could not swim away, they half walked and half swam over to where
+Marjorie had first noticed the creature, whatever it was.
+
+"Why, it's a man!" cried Dick, as they drew nearer, and could
+distinguish him more clearly.
+
+He was a wretched-looking old fellow, with a heavy sack upon his back,
+and was clothed only in a ragged old garment, which scarcely reached to
+his knees.
+
+"Poor man," said Marjorie, in a whisper, "how unhappy he looks; perhaps
+he has lost something."
+
+The man glanced up nervously as the children approached, and, clutching
+at his bag jealously, he demanded--
+
+"Who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"Nothing, thank you, poor old man," began Marjorie; "we were only----"
+
+The old man burst into a peal of hoarse laughter.
+
+"_Poor_ old man!" he exclaimed. "Do you know that I am the richest man
+in the world. Look!" he exclaimed, opening his bag before the children's
+astonished eyes. "Gold! jewels! riches! wealth! they are all
+mine--ha--ha--ha--ha!" and he laughed discordantly, and hugged the bag
+closely to himself again.
+
+"Oh, come away!" cried Marjorie, catching at Dick's arm. "I'm so
+frightened."
+
+"I'm the Old Man of the Sea," continued the man, "and all the treasures
+of the deep are mine. I have stacks of golden crowns and jewels without
+number, and each day I gather more--they are all mine--mine--mine!"
+
+"But where do they all come from?" asked Dick.
+
+"The bottom of the sea is strewn with riches," continued the old man,
+"and there is no one to reap the harvest but myself."
+
+"You must be very happy if you are so rich," said Dick. "It must be
+lovely to have all those things."
+
+"No, I am not happy," said the Old Man of the Sea. "I am very old, and
+very lonely, and there is no one here to admire my treasures but myself.
+The fishes will have nothing to do with me--they do not care for gold;
+it is valueless to them--and I may not go on land, so I am here alone
+with my riches, and every day I gather more and more. I have piled them
+high about my cave in a great circle, and some day, when it becomes
+top-heavy, it will fall over and crush me beneath it, and I shall be
+buried in a tomb of gold. No king, no emperor, had ever so grand a
+sepulchre as I shall have, but I am not happy--no--no--not happy, not
+happy."
+
+And the old man shouldered his bag and moved away, muttering
+sorrowfully.
+
+"Poor man, poor man," said Marjorie; "for he is poor, although he has so
+much wealth isn't he, Dick?"
+
+[Illustration: "Filling his bag with all kinds of treasure."]
+
+"Yes, jolly poor, and miserable too. I wouldn't be him for something,"
+said Dick. "Come on, it makes me wretched to think about him--let's get
+back to the Dolphins."
+
+When they reached them, they found that little friend, the thin fish,
+had arrived at last.
+
+"Hullo!" cried Dick. "What a jolly long while you have been catching us
+up. Wherever have you been to all this time?"
+
+"Why," explained the fish, "I thought I heard you saying something about
+a race, and suddenly I remembered what a splendid opportunity your visit
+down here would afford us of witnessing a real human race--you are
+human, aren't you?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," replied Dick.
+
+"That's right," said the fish. "Come on, the King is most anxious for
+the race to begin at once, and I promised to bring you back with me
+immediately."
+
+"But what _is_ a human race?" inquired Marjorie, as they mounted their
+Dolphins.
+
+"Oh, you'll see when we get back," was the reply, and, the little fish
+hanging on to one of the Dolphins' tails they were soon flying through
+the water at a rare rate.
+
+When they got back to the lawn by the King's Palace, the children were
+greatly astonished to see a big crowd of fishes drawn up in two lines,
+with a wide path between them. The King, on a shell throne, surrounded
+by his courtiers, was at one end, and several important-looking fishes
+were fussing about at the other, making a straight line with some little
+lumps of white chalk.
+
+There was a cheer when the children arrived on their Dolphins, and a
+rush was made to assist them to alight.
+
+"But what are we to do?" they inquired, rather dismayed at these
+elaborate preparations.
+
+"Show us a human race," was the reply.
+
+"Well, a human race is just like any other kind of race, I suppose,"
+said Dick, "the one who reaches the goal first wins. If we are going to
+race, though, we shall have to be handicapped."
+
+"What's that?" cried the fishes.
+
+"Why, you see," explained Dick, "it wouldn't be fair for us all to start
+from the same line, for Fidge, of course, cannot run as quickly as
+Marjorie or me; and Marjorie, too, being only a girl, will have to have
+a start allowed her, and this is called handicapping."
+
+"Very well, manage it your own way," was the reply. "When are you going
+to start?"
+
+"Oh, as soon as you like," said Dick. "Where's the winning-post?"
+
+"That white line up by the King's throne," said one of the fishes. And
+Dick, having given Fidge a very long start, and Marjorie a slight
+advantage, declared himself ready to begin.
+
+    "One, to make ready,
+    Two, to be steady,
+    Three, and--away!"
+
+shouted one of the principal fishes, and off they scrambled. I say
+scrambled, because if you have ever tried to run under water you will
+know that it is a very difficult thing to do--the weight of the water
+prevents you from getting along at all quickly. The fishes watching the
+race became very excited, and, in their eagerness to urge them on, kept
+getting in the children's way, swimming about in front of them, and
+getting mixed up with their arms and legs in a most confusing manner. At
+length, however, this extraordinary race came to an end, and the
+children arrived at the winning-post in the same order in which they had
+started.
+
+"Oh, I've won--I've won!" shouted Fidge, delightedly. "Haven't I, Dick?"
+
+[Illustration: "They were called before the king to receive their
+prize."]
+
+"Of course you have," said Dick, who had purposely been holding back to
+give the other two a chance.
+
+"Shall I get a prize?" whispered the little boy, anxiously.
+
+"Perhaps," answered Dick; "wait and see."
+
+Their little friend, the thin fish, had gone up to the King, and was
+talking very earnestly to him, and presently returning said that His
+Majesty had decided to give them all a prize.
+
+"Oh, I wonder what it will be!" said Marjorie, excitedly. "Fancy, having
+a prize from a real King!"
+
+"He's only a fish," said Dick.
+
+"Hush, dear, you'll hurt his feelings," whispered Marjorie, warningly.
+
+Just then the thin fish put on his top hat--he was the only one allowed
+to wear one in the King's presence--and began a long speech. He spoke so
+very softly, though, that no one could hear a word that he said; but, at
+regular intervals, all the other fishes clapped their fins, and called
+out, "Hear, hear!" most enthusiastically.
+
+"Whatever do you do that for?" inquired Dick, of one of them; "I'm sure
+you cannot hear a word of what he is saying."
+
+"Oh, no, we can't," admitted the fish, quite candidly; "but it's the
+proper thing to do, you know, it encourages him so."
+
+After the speech the children were called before the King to receive
+their prize.
+
+His Majesty did not speak to them, but motioned majestically to a large
+branch of pink coral near the throne, and they were thus given to
+understand that it was intended for them as a prize.
+
+Of course, they pretended to be highly gratified, though, in reality,
+they were greatly disappointed.
+
+"Stupid old thing! it's not a bit of use, even if we could carry it,"
+muttered Dick; and Fidge, too, was so cross that he nearly quarreled
+outright with a perky little fish who had been standing, hat in hand,
+near him, and who now came and sat down so close to him that his sharp
+scales scratched the little fellow's bare legs.
+
+A moment afterwards, however, they had all forgotten their ill-humor in
+their amusement at what was happening, for the King having withdrawn,
+the rest of the fishes each took a partner, and began whirling round
+and round in a frantic way in a mad kind of dance, to the strains of
+some weird music, provided by one or two of their number blowing through
+some long shells, whilst others used some smaller flat ones as
+castanets.
+
+[Illustration: "Whirling round and round in a frantic way."]
+
+"I suppose this is what is called a fish ball," said Dick, laughing
+heartily at the strange antics which the fishes were cutting.
+
+And just as Marjorie was about to reply a dark shadow passing overhead
+caused all of the children to look up.
+
+A pair of large webbed feet were seen slowly paddling above them, and
+beyond them the outline of a bird's body could be traced.
+
+Marjorie seized Dick's arm excitedly. "Look! look!" she exclaimed,
+hastily, "the Dodo!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DODO AT LAST.
+
+
+"I really believe it is the Dodo," said Dick. "Only I'm not quite sure
+if his feet _were_ webbed."
+
+"Oh, I don't think they were," declared Marjorie. "Now don't you think,"
+she continued, excitedly, "that it would be best for us just to swim
+quietly up to him, and catch hold of his legs; you see, he couldn't
+possibly get away then, and----"
+
+"All right," interrupted Dick. "Come on--steady now, so as not to alarm
+him."
+
+The feet above them were paddling leisurely along, and the children had
+no difficulty in quickly catching up to the bird, and, with a triumphant
+shout, Dick clutched hold of one leg, while Marjorie and Fidge hung on
+to the other.
+
+There was immediately a great outcry from above the water.
+
+"Help! Help! Fire! Police! Thieves!" cried a voice, and the feet began
+to kick so violently that the children had quite a difficulty to keep
+their hold.
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo tried to follow their example."]
+
+In response to the cries a number of other birds came flying to the
+rescue, and "splush," "splash," sounded on all sides as they settled
+down on the water.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried several voices at once.
+
+"Oh!" cried the bird which the children had captured, beating his wings
+about violently, and creating a terrible confusion, "a crab or something
+has caught hold of my legs, and I am being killed--help!--save me!--save
+me!"
+
+A confused sound of voices followed, and presently one or two heads
+appeared below the water; they were hastily withdrawn, however, and with
+an alarmed cry of "Sharks!" the other birds all flew away, leaving their
+luckless companion to his fate.
+
+The bird, when he found himself deserted by his friends, made more
+frantic efforts than ever to escape; and the beating of his wings upon
+the water caused the whole party to move slowly along.
+
+"What are we to do now?" whispered Marjorie; "we can't drag him
+underneath, or he'd be drowned, you know."
+
+"Oh, let's hang on," cried Dick, "perhaps he will drag us along till we
+come to land somewhere. I say," he shouted, "are you the Dodo, or not?"
+
+His voice could evidently not be heard above the water, for there was no
+reply from the bird, which continued making a terrific outcry, using
+every effort to get away from them.
+
+Presently, just as Dick had suggested, some rocks came in sight, and the
+children could see that they were being gradually dragged tards the
+shore.
+
+In a few minutes they had the satisfaction of being able to scramble out
+of the water, when they discovered, to their great dismay, that their
+captive was not the Dodo at all, but a great wild goose, who, when they
+hurriedly released his legs waddled awkwardly ashore, and gazed at them
+with reproachful eyes.
+
+A little way inland the Dodo himself could be seen standing, surrounded
+by an excited group of birds, who, when they caught sight of the
+children emerging from the water, immediately took to flight, screaming
+in horrified tones--
+
+"The Sharks! The Sharks! Here come the Sharks!"
+
+The Dodo tried to follow their example, and for a moment it looked as
+though the children would lose him after all; but it soon became evident
+that the creature could not fly, for after wildly beating the air for
+awhile, with his little apologies for wings, the miserable bird fell
+squalling into the water, while his companions disappeared in the
+distance.
+
+"Help! Help!" he screamed, as he struggled with the waves. "Don't you
+see that I'm drowning? Oh! Oh! Help! Help!"
+
+"Swim ashore," cried the children.
+
+"I can't," was the reply, in a faint voice. "I can't swim. Oh!--oh!
+there go my poor, dear gloves." This last as his wings, which he had
+been holding up out of the water, sank exhausted to his side.
+
+Dick plunged in, and soon brought the bird to shore, where he stood for
+a moment or two, ruefully regarding his white kid gloves, which the salt
+water had completely ruined, while the bow of his necktie had slipped
+around to the back of his neck.
+
+"A pretty figure I shall cut now at the Ichthyosaurus' At Home," he
+grumbled. "It's all your fault, too," he declared, ungratefully
+disregarding the fact that Dick had just rescued him from a watery
+grave. "What do you want with me, anyhow?"
+
+"Why, you see," hastily explained Dick, "the Ambassador to the Little
+Panjandrum sent us in search of you, and if we don't take you back in
+less than a week we're to be--er--er--something with an awfully long
+name----"
+
+"I know--Subtransexdistricated, that's it, isn't it?" said the Dodo.
+"They always threaten to do that to people. Ough! its perfectly
+horrible" he cried, shuddering.
+
+"What's it like?" asked the children, in an awe-stricken whisper.
+
+"Why," explained the Dodo, "you are mygrylaled in pslmsms till you
+saukle, and then you are taken out and gopheled on both sides for a
+fortnight. Ough! it's dreadful to think about, and I wouldn't dream of
+putting you to the risk of having it done to you. So I suppose I shall
+have to go back," he added, with a sigh. "It's jolly awkward, though!
+Oh, I _hate_ him!" he said, stamping his claw violently.
+
+"Who?" inquired the children.
+
+"The Little Panjandrum," was the reply. "Nasty, consequential little
+prig! And who is he, I should like to know? Panjandrums are not to be
+mentioned in the same breath as Dodos--we are a much more ancient family
+than they are, and, besides, _we_ are extinct," he said, proudly.
+
+"Oh, yes, of course," agreed Dick, who did not care to go into the Dodo
+private grievances, and who certainly did not care to run the risk of
+being "gopheled on both sides," whatever that might mean; "but don't you
+think we had better be going now?"
+
+"How are we going to get back?" demanded the Dodo, abruptly. "I can't
+swim and I can't fly. You'll have to carry me."
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed Marjorie, in dismay. "I'm sure we can't do
+that! Why, you are as big as we are!"
+
+"Well, I'm sure I don't know what is to be done," said the Dodo. "I
+won't get into the water again for _any one_, so there."
+
+Just then, Fidge, who had been playing on the shore, ran back with the
+news that the little thin fish wanted to speak to them.
+
+"Oh! Sorry to trouble you," he began, popping his head out of the water
+and raising his hat politely; "but His Majesty sent me to inquire how
+you were getting on. I see you have found him," he added, pointing to
+the Dodo.
+
+"Yes; but now we are in another fix," cried the children; "we don't know
+how to get the creature home."
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo cut a strange figure."]
+
+"Who are you calling a creature?" said the Dodo, sulkily.
+
+"Well, what else are you?" demanded Dick. "You're an awful nuisance,
+anyhow, and _I_ don't know how we are going to get you away from this
+place, I'm sure."
+
+"There are the Dolphins," suggested the little fish.
+
+"Why, yes, of course," cried Dick. "I had forgotten them. I suppose you
+can ride a Dolphin, can't you?" he inquired of the Dodo.
+
+"Don't know. Never tried. Daresay I could," answered the bird, sullenly.
+
+The fish disappeared, and returned a few minutes later with the three
+Dolphins in tow.
+
+Fidge was more than delighted to see the "horses," as he called them,
+again, and lost no time in getting astride of one; the others followed
+more deliberately, Marjorie taking her seat beside Fidge on the same
+fish.
+
+The Dodo cut a strange figure, and looked very nervous at first, as he
+clung to the slippery back of his strange steed.
+
+He seemed to feel at ease after a time, however, and when the children
+had bade their kind little friend, the thin fish, "Good-by," the party
+started off at a fine pace.
+
+"By the bye, have you any idea where we are going to?" remarked the
+Dodo, after they had been rushing along for some time.
+
+"Good gracious, no!" exclaimed Dick. "I thought you were directing us."
+
+"I haven't the remotest idea where we are," said the Dodo, coolly.
+
+"Why, then, we're lost!" cried Marjorie, in dismay.
+
+"Mother told me," said Fidge, solemnly, "that if I ever got lost, I was
+to ask a policeman to take me home."
+
+[Illustration: "At the entrance was a large walrus smoking."]
+
+"Yes, but I'm afraid there are no policemen about here," laughed the
+others.
+
+"What we had better do," said Dick, "is to push on till we come to land
+somewhere, or a ship, and inquire the way back."
+
+This was thought to be the best plan to pursue, and the children hurried
+along till Marjorie noticed that both the air and the water were growing
+fresher every moment, and she was just beginning to wonder what they
+were going to do if it grew much colder, when Dick cried out, in quite a
+nautical style--
+
+"Land on the larboard side!"
+
+"Hooroy!" shouted the others, "now we shall find out where we are," and
+they headed the Dolphins to where they could see a rough kind of
+landing-stage.
+
+The country looked very bleak and bare, but a little hut was visible a
+short distance from the shore, and the children, having fastened up the
+Dolphins to one of the wooden piles, assisted the Dodo to alight, and
+made their way towards it.
+
+At the entrance they saw a large Walrus with a pipe in his mouth, and on
+the ground beside him an Esquimaux dog, also smoking.
+
+Dick and the others hurried forward, and bowed politely.
+
+"_Wie geths?_" said the Walrus, taking the pipe from his mouth, and
+immediately putting it back again, while the little dog glanced at them
+inquisitively out of the corners of his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+AT THE NORTH POLE.
+
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Marjorie, staring blankly at her brother.
+
+"I don't know," confessed Dick. "I beg your pardon," he went on,
+addressing the Walrus, "but I didn't quite hear what you said."
+
+"_Sprechen sie Deutsch?_" inquired the Walrus, with an encouraging
+smile.
+
+"I can't tell what the chap is talking about," said Dick, turning to the
+others in dismay.
+
+"Dond't you undershtandt German, eh?" said the Walrus. "Ach! dat vos
+verry bad," and he shook his head reproachfully.
+
+"I don't know," argued Dick. "I can't see that it matters much. We are
+not likely to go there, you know."
+
+"Not?" said the Walrus, lifting his eyebrows. "Vell, dere vos some funny
+peoples in der vorld. Perhaps you dond't _vant_ to go dere?"
+
+"Not much," admitted Dick.
+
+The Walrus shrugged his shoulders, and looked commiseratingly at the
+dog, who gave a sniff, and shrugged his shoulders too.
+
+"What we want to know," said Dick, in a businesslike way, "is, Where are
+we now, and how are we to get back to England?"
+
+"Vell, you vas in Germany now," said the Walrus.
+
+"Germany!" exclaimed the children, in surprise. "Why, we're quite near
+to England, then."
+
+"No," said the Walrus, shaking his head.
+
+"But we must be," persisted Dick.
+
+"No," repeated the Walrus. "Dis is not der Germany you mean, but id is
+Germany all der same--most of der vorld is Germany."
+
+"What nonsense!" laughed Dick. "I'm sure it isn't. Why, there's heaps of
+places besides Germany. There's--er--Africa, for instance----"
+
+"Thadt's Germany!" said the Walrus, nodding violently.
+
+"Africa is?" cried Dick.
+
+"Yah! das is so," said the Walrus. "Africa, und China, und alle der
+blaces--dey is all Germany."
+
+"The chap is evidently a little wrong in the head," explained Dick to
+the others in a whisper. "Never mind; don't take any notice. Well, to
+come to the point, _can_ you direct us home again, that is the
+question?" he asked, aloud.
+
+"No," said the Walrus, shaking his head.
+
+"Or to the Equator?" suggested the Dodo, smoothing out his gloves.
+
+The Walrus stared for a moment, and then, pointing to the Dodo with the
+stem of his pipe, inquired, "Vat is dat ting?"
+
+The Dodo drew himself up to his full height, and gave him a withering
+look. "How dare you?" he cried.
+
+"Vell, vat _is_ id, anyhow?" chuckled the Walrus. "I never saw
+somethings like id before, never!"
+
+"Of course not," said the Dodo, with dignity, "Our family have been
+extinct for some time."
+
+[Illustration: When the children got into the clumsy fur garments, they
+found them exceedingly comfortable.--Page 95. _Dick, Marjorie and
+Fidge._]
+
+"Vell, und vy didn't you keep so?" asked the Walrus. "It vas der best
+ting vat you could do. Dere is no goot for such tings like you to be
+aboudt."
+
+"Come along," said the Dodo, turning to the others; "let's go. I was
+never so insulted in all my life."
+
+"Ach! don't ged in a demper," said the Walrus, complacently. "Dat is no
+goot also. Come, I show you der vay to der Equador--dat is Germany,
+too," he added, in parenthesis. "Bud you must haf some glothes first to
+vare," he cried, looking at the children's scanty garments. "Id is so
+gold dere."
+
+"Cold at the Equator?" laughed Marjorie. "Why, I always thought that it
+was very hot."
+
+"Ach! dat is so," said the Walrus. "But id is der gedding dere dat is so
+gold. Come, I gif you some oudtfids," and he led the way into the little
+hut, which was hung all around with clumsy-looking fur garments, which,
+however, when they had got into them, the children found to be
+exceedingly comfortable.
+
+Besides the clothes, there were all kinds of stores piled up around the
+inside of the hut, and a quantity of snowshoes of various shapes, and
+little sleds, like those which Dick remembered having seen in pictures
+of Polar expeditions.
+
+When the children had been accommodated with some garments, the Walrus
+turned to the Dodo, and said, "Veil, now, I egspecdt dat you vant some
+glothes, too, dond't id?"
+
+"No, thank you," said the Dodo, proudly, settling his necktie and
+folding his wings primly. "I have my gloves; they are quite
+sufficient."
+
+"Bud you haven't any ting on your body," said the Walrus. "You bedder
+haf some glothes, eh?" and he kindly brought forth some very large
+leather breeches, which the Dodo, after some hesitation, consented to
+put on.
+
+Next the Walrus took down a rough, hairy coat, with mittens attached to
+the sleeves.
+
+"Gom, put your arms in dis," he said, "and trow avay dose gloves you got
+on."
+
+"What!" cried the Dodo, "take off my gloves? Never!"
+
+And he wouldn't either; but put his wings (such as he had) into the
+coat sleeves with the gloves still on the end of them.
+
+[Illustration: "'What' cried the Dodo, 'take off my gloves? Never!'"]
+
+"Now you musdt haf some stores," said the Walrus, going to the cupboard,
+and bringing out some tins of sardines, some jam, and other things,
+which he carefully tied on to the sled.
+
+"Now ve are ready to stardt," he said, when these preparations were
+completed; and after harnessing the little dog to the sled the party
+made a move.
+
+"I haven't the least idea where we are going to," said Dick, as they
+walked along; "have you?"
+
+"Not the slightest," said the Dodo. "I don't suppose it matters much,
+though, as long as we get somewhere or another."
+
+The old Walrus was trudging along in front, leading Fidge (who seemed to
+have taken a violent fancy to him) by the hand; presently he stopped in
+front of a big round hole, and waited for the others to catch up to him.
+
+"Here ve are," he said, pointing to the enormous hole, which looked like
+the crater of an extinct volcano lined with ice.
+
+"Whatever is that?" asked Marjorie, peering over the edge curiously.
+
+"Der North Bole," said the Walrus. "Id vas German, too," he added,
+emphatically.
+
+"The North Pole!" exclaimed the children. "Why, there isn't any pole at
+all!"
+
+"No," said the Walrus, "das is so, id vas meldted all avay."
+
+[Illustration: "'Well, good-bye,' said Dick."]
+
+"Good gracious!" cried Dick.
+
+"Yah! id vas mit der lightning struck, und meldted all avay, und made a
+big hole in der ground all der vay trough der earth to der Equador. Id
+vas made in Germany, dat pole," he added.
+
+The children gazed with wondering eyes into the deep, dark hole, and
+Marjorie clung to Dick's arm nervously. "How wonderful!" she exclaimed;
+"but I'm glad we've seen where it was, aren't you, Dick?"
+
+But Dick was thinking deeply.
+
+"Are you sure it went right through to the Equator?" he asked of the
+Walrus.
+
+"Yah!" said that worthy, "for sure."
+
+"Then if we slid through, we should come out at the other end?" said
+Dick.
+
+"Yah! das is so," said the Walrus, nodding violently.
+
+"Well, then, I think we'll do it," said Dick, boldly.
+
+"Oh, Dick!" cried Marjorie, in alarm.
+
+"Well, why not?" said Dick, for, really, so many strange things had
+happened that nothing seemed impossible to him now. "It would be rather
+jolly to see what it's like at the other end, and it's no use stopping
+here. Do you know your way from the Equator?" he added, turning to the
+Dodo.
+
+"Yes," said the bird, who was quite ready to start on the perilous
+voyage, and, grasping Fidge by the hand, he gave a loud whoop, and began
+to slide down the steep incline.
+
+"Well, good-by," cried Dick, hurriedly, shaking hands with the Walrus.
+"Thanks for all your kindness." And, jumping on the sled behind
+Marjorie, he pushed off, and they shot over the edge after the others.
+
+They just caught a glimpse of the little dog throwing up his arms in
+surprise, and as they disappeared into space they heard the old Walrus
+crying, in an anxious voice--
+
+"Gom back! gom back! I forgot to tell you somedings."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES.
+
+
+It was all very well for the Walrus to shout "Come back!" but _that_ was
+a matter of utter impossibility, for down--and down--and down the
+children sped at a terrific rate, so quickly indeed that after a moment
+or two they must have lost their senses completely, for not one of them
+could remember anything about the marvelous journey through the center
+of the earth.
+
+"It seemed," Dick explained afterwards, "as though we were falling
+through a big black hole for hours and hours, and then, all of a sudden,
+it was light again, and we shot out into the air at the other end."
+
+The children were greatly relieved to find that they were not expected
+to walk on their heads, as they had vaguely feared might have been the
+case on the other side of the world. "But, of course," Marjorie
+explained, "we are not really _quite_ on the other side, or we should
+be at the South Pole, and that would be as cold as where we came from,
+wouldn't it, Dick?"
+
+"I suppose so," answered Dick, looking about him. "Well, this place is
+hot enough, anyhow, whew!" and he unbuttoned the heavy fur coat which he
+had been glad enough to put on a short time before.
+
+"We are probably somewhere near the Equator," remarked the Dodo,
+pointing to the palms and other tropical plants to be seen on every
+side. "I've heard that this sort of thing grows there."
+
+"In that case we have only to find out where the sea is, and wait on the
+shore for a passing ship to come and take us back to England," said
+Marjorie, who was as fond as her brother of reading books of adventure,
+and so knew exactly what to expect under the circumstances.
+
+Fidge had divested himself of his snowshoes and heavy Arctic outfit, and
+was eagerly chasing some gaudy butterflies which were flitting about
+amongst the bright tropical flowers, and the others, feeling the heat
+very oppressive, were glad to follow his example, and get rid of their
+cumbersome clothing. Marjorie made a neat little bundle of them, and hid
+them behind a big stone, and then, calling Fidge to them, the party set
+out to explore the surrounding country.
+
+They had not gone far before they heard a voice crying out in a
+peremptory way--
+
+"Now then! move on, there!"
+
+The Dodo was highly indignant at being addressed in this unceremonious
+way, particularly as he once more displayed his white kid gloves and his
+bright necktie, and consequently, imagined that he presented a dignified
+and imposing appearance.
+
+"Who's that?" he cried, looking about him angrily.
+
+"Now then, move on! Do you hear?" cried the voice again.
+
+The children stared to the right and left, in front of them, and behind
+them, but no one was in sight.
+
+"That's very strange!" exclaimed Dick. "Whoever can it be?"
+
+"_Will_ you move on, there?" shouted the voice, louder than ever, and,
+looking up into the trees, the children saw a huge green parrot, with a
+red tail, hanging down from one of the branches by one claw, while he
+shook the other at them menacingly.
+
+"Bah! it's only a parrot," said the Dodo, in a contemptuous voice.
+
+"What!" screamed the bird; "only a parrot, indeed. Who are you, I should
+like to know?"
+
+"We're tourists," said the Dodo, importantly. "These--ahem--gentlemen,
+and this lady and myself, are on our way to visit the Ichthyosaurus,
+while you are merely a common or garden parrot, and not at all fit and
+proper person for us to be seen talking to. Come along," he added to the
+others, grandly, and started to walk off with his beak in the air.
+
+"Hoity, toity! Not so fast," said the parrot. "I've no doubt you think
+yourself very grand with your kid gloves and your consequential airs;
+but allow me to inform you that _I_ am some one of consequence in these
+parts, too. I am a police officer, and regulate the traffic, so move
+on, there, and don't block the way."
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, "if this--er--" (she was going to say "bird," but
+thought perhaps the parrot might be offended, and she certainly couldn't
+say "gentleman," so she got out of it this way)--"if this is a police
+officer, perhaps he could be kind enough to direct us to where the
+steamboats start for England."
+
+"I daresay I _could_ if I wanted to," said the parrot, ungraciously,
+"but I don't choose. Move on! You are stopping the traffic."
+
+"What nonsense! you ridiculous bird; there is not any traffic," said
+Dick.
+
+"Oh! isn't there? A lot _you_ know about it," replied the parrot.
+"There's a vehicle coming along this way now."
+
+The children turned around, and, sure enough, there was a something
+coming down the road, though what it was the children couldn't determine
+till it came a little closer. They waited and waited, but it scarcely
+seemed to move at all, and, at last, Dick, whose curiosity was greatly
+aroused, proposed going to meet it.
+
+"Let's go and fetch the clothes the Walrus gave us first," suggested
+Marjorie, wisely, and so they ran off to the rock behind which they had
+hidden them.
+
+[Illustration: "The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them somewhat."]
+
+To their great surprise, they found a party of apes and monkeys calmly
+trying the things on, and apparently enjoying themselves very much
+indeed. The snowshoes seemed to puzzle them considerably, however, and
+they were undecided whether to regard them as musical instruments or a
+novel form of headgear.
+
+"Hi! Just you put those clothes down at once!" shouted Dick. "How dare
+you interfere with our things!"
+
+"They're not yours," said one of the monkeys. "Findings keepings. We
+found them, and so they are ours."
+
+"Indeed they are not. Give them back at once!" demanded Dick.
+
+"Shan't!" screamed the monkeys, impudently, and, scampering up into the
+trees beyond the children's reach, they made grimaces at them, and
+openly defied them. Indeed, one of them went so far as to climb up into
+a cocoanut palm and began pelting the children with the nuts.
+
+Fortunately, none of them reached the mark, however, and the children,
+hastily gathered one or two of the cocoanuts, abandoned the clothes,
+which, really, were not of much value to them now, and fled.
+
+This little incident had almost driven from their mind the recollection
+of the vehicle which they had seen in the high-road, but a rumbling
+sound, as they neared the place where they had last seen it, reminded
+them of the fact, and they hurried up to the spot from whence the sounds
+proceeded.
+
+[Illustration: "'I shall get very angry in a minute,' said the Dodo."]
+
+To their great astonishment, they found a clumsy-looking cart, somewhat
+resembling the pictures which they had seen of the old Roman chariots,
+to the shafts of which a sleepy-looking sloth-bear was attached.
+
+"Ha! ha! what a funny horse," laughed Fidge. "It is a horse, isn't it,
+Dick?"
+
+"No," said Dick; "I don't think so."
+
+"Horse! no, indeed," said the Dodo. "It's a kind of camel."
+
+"I ain't," said the sloth-bear, with a yawn.
+
+"You shouldn't say 'ain't,'" said the Dodo, rebukingly. "What are you,
+then?"
+
+There was no answer, the creature had gone to sleep.
+
+"Wake up! wake up!" cried the Dodo, shaking him violently. "The idea of
+dropping off to sleep when any one is talking to you!"
+
+"I thought you were going to preach," explained the sloth-bear. "You
+began talking about something that I shouldn't do or say, and I always
+go to sleep when people talk to me like that--it's so stupid of them."
+
+"Where are you going to?" asked the Dodo.
+
+"I don't know," was the reply. "Where are you?"
+
+"We want to get to the place where the steamers start for England,"
+explained Marjorie.
+
+"Jump in, then," said the sloth-bear, jerking his head in the direction
+of the cart; and the children, highly delighted at the prospect of a
+ride, all scrambled in.
+
+Dick took the reins, and Marjorie made herself comfortable beside him,
+while Fidge dangled his legs over the back of the "chariot," the Dodo
+solemnly squatting down at his side, with his gloves carefully
+displayed, and his necktie properly adjusted.
+
+"Now then," said Dick, shaking the reins, "we are ready to start. Go on,
+please."
+
+There was no answer, and it transpired that the creature was asleep
+again.
+
+"Good gracious!" said the Dodo, impatiently, "we shall never get
+anywhere at this rate. I say, do wake up," he cried, going up to the
+sloth-bear and giving him a good shake.
+
+"Oh! are you ready?" said that individual, waking up slowly. "Come on,
+then!" and he took two or three steps forward, and then stopped to rest,
+his eyes gradually closing, and his head beginning to sink.
+
+"Come, come!" said the Dodo, getting in front of him, grasping the
+reins, and pulling with all his might. "I shall get very angry with you
+in a minute. It's perfectly ridiculous going on in this way; however do
+you imagine we are to get to our destination if you waste time in this
+manner?"
+
+The answer was a loud snore from the sloth-bear, who had once more
+fallen into a deep sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE SKIPPER OF THE ARGONAUT.
+
+
+"Well, of all the stupid creatures," said the Dodo, "I think that this
+is the most remarkable. Here, I say! Wake up, will you!" and he gave the
+reins another sharp pull.
+
+The sloth-bear blinked his eyes, sleepily, and muttered, "What's up?"
+
+"Why, aren't you going to make a start?" inquired the Dodo, angrily;
+"how do you suppose we shall ever get to our destination if you go on
+like this?"
+
+The sloth-bear, after staring vacantly awhile slowly shook his head.
+"Speed not to exceed quarter of a mile an hour, them's my orders," he
+said, "and four times nine is--er--ninety-nine, so you'll get there
+about next Thursday week. Y--ah--a--a--ow," and he gave another
+tremendous yawn, as his head sank between his knees again.
+
+"Good gracious! what's to be done?" said Dick, getting down from the
+chariot. "It's not the slightest use our trying to go anywhere in this
+thing."
+
+"What did he mean by saying four times nine were ninety-nine? They
+ain't," said Fidge, "'cos I know my 'four times,' and four nines are
+thirty-six."
+
+"Perhaps it was something to do with the number of miles we shall have
+to travel before we reach the place where the ships start from,"
+suggested Marjorie.
+
+"Wake him up again, will you, please?" she said, turning to the Dodo.
+"Perhaps he will tell us."
+
+"All right," said the Dodo, "I'll wake him up. Here!" he cried, going up
+to the sloth-bear, and giving him a good shake. "Wake up! Wake up!"
+
+The creature slowly lifted his head, and, staring reproachfully at the
+Dodo, began to cry. "Boo--hoo--hoo! Boo--hoo--hoo!" he sobbed. "It's a
+shame, it is."
+
+"What's the matter now, cry-baby?" asked the Dodo.
+
+"Why can't you let me alone?" whined the sloth-bear. "I've never done
+nothing to you, have I? Why can't you let a poor beast sleep in peace?"
+
+"Oh, for goodness' sake let the lazy old thing go to sleep if it wants
+to," said Dick, impatiently, while tender-hearted Marjorie went up to
+the creature and stroked and comforted it as best she could.
+
+Her pity was wasted, however, for almost before the last words were out
+of its mouth the sloth-bear was snoring peacefully with a contented
+smirk on its face.
+
+"Come on," said Dick, "let's try and find the way ourselves. Oh! I
+know," he exclaimed; "of course, why we've forgotten all about the power
+we have of floating in the air; we'll rise up above the trees, and then
+we shall soon see where the sea is."
+
+No sooner said than done. The children just expressed the wish, and, as
+the Little Panjandrum's Ambassador had promised them, they found that
+they had the power of rising at will.
+
+"Jolly, isn't it?" said Dick, as they floated upwards, leaving the Dodo
+gazing after them enviously.
+
+"Like being in a b'loon," chuckled Fidge, clutching at the leaves of a
+tree as he passed through them. Fidge never would pronounce balloon
+properly.
+
+"Oh! look!" cried Marjorie, as they passed above the trees, "there's the
+sea over there, and some houses, and people on the beach. I can see them
+quite distinctly. Oh, jolly, we can soon fly over there; come on."
+
+"What about the Dodo?" asked Dick.
+
+"Oh, of course. I'd forgotten him. Let's see, he can't fly, can he?"
+
+"Judging by the exhibition he made of himself when we first saw him, I
+should say not," laughed Dick.
+
+"Well, perhaps we could carry him between us," suggested Marjorie, "he
+doesn't look _very_ heavy."
+
+"All right, let's try," said her brother, and, having made quite sure of
+the direction in which the sea lay, they slowly descended to the ground
+again.
+
+"Find out what you wanted to?" asked the Dodo, who had taken off his
+gloves, and was blowing into them to take out the creases.
+
+"Yes," said Dick, "there are a few houses by the side of the sea about
+two miles to the left; do you think you could manage to fly as far as
+that?"
+
+The Dodo smiled in a sickly sort of way. "I'm a little out of practise,"
+he faltered.
+
+"Well, do you think that if we each took hold of one of
+your--ahem--wings, we could get along that way?"
+
+"You wouldn't crush my gloves?" asked the Dodo, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, you could take them off, you know," said Dick, "and put them in
+your p----" (he was going to say pocket, but suddenly remembered that
+the Dodo hadn't one)--"in my pocket till we get there, if you like," he
+added.
+
+"What!" cried the Dodo, indignantly, "travel without my gloves! Never!
+It wouldn't be respectable. I shouldn't think of doing such a thing!"
+
+"Oh, well, come, on then; let's try this way," said Dick, putting his
+arm under one of the Dodo's wings, while Marjorie did the same to the
+other. "Now then--one--two--three."
+
+Slowly, very slowly, the children rose, for the Dodo was rather heavy
+after all, as he dangled down clumsily and uncomfortably between them.
+
+I think they would have managed, however, but just as they had reached
+the lower branches of the trees, they heard a voice scream furiously--
+
+"_Now_, then, what are you up to?"
+
+In their agitation they let go of the Dodo, who, after making several
+frantic efforts to support himself, fell to the ground with a dull thud.
+
+"What are you up to, I say?" said the voice again, and the children
+could see that the parrot, who had been so insolent to them before, was
+sitting on one of the branches near them.
+
+"Pretty objects you are making of yourselves, I must say," he remarked,
+sneeringly. "What do you think you are doing, I should like to know?"
+
+"I don't see what it has to do with you," said Dick, crossly, while the
+Dodo, with his eyes shut and his head on one side, ran about rubbing his
+back with one pinion, and crying, "Oh! oh! oh!" for he had evidently
+hurt himself very much.
+
+"You don't, do you?" said the parrot. "Well, then, it has a great deal
+to do with me. Trying to fly, weren't you? Well, you are not birds, and
+it isn't allowed; do you hear? The idea of mere human creatures aping
+their betters in that way. Flying, indeed! Don't you let me catch you at
+it again, or you will be sorry for it, I can tell you. Now move on, and
+walk on your feet in a sensible way, like rational human beings. Go
+along! What next, I wonder!"
+
+He was evidently so very angry that the children thought it best not to
+provoke him further, so, leading the Dodo, who hobbled along painfully,
+they walked silently away in the direction of the sea, while the parrot
+watched them with a severe expression, screaming out--"Move on! move
+on!" every time they stopped.
+
+"What a disagreeable bird," whispered Marjorie, when they had gone some
+little distance.
+
+"Wretch!" declared the Dodo, rubbing his back.
+
+"For two pins I'd wring his neck," muttered Dick, angrily.
+
+"Much obliged, I'm sure," said a mocking voice overhead, and there was
+that wretched parrot, looking down from one of the upper branches.
+
+"Listeners never hear any good of themselves," remarked the Dodo.
+
+"Pooh!--as though I cared what _you_ thought about me," said the parrot.
+"Why, if I liked, I could--oh!" he cried, looking off to the left, "the
+Skipper," and, spreading his wings, he flew rapidly away with every sign
+of alarm.
+
+The children followed his glance, and saw coming towards them a very
+stout, very jolly-looking sailor, with a red, hearty face and a jovial
+smile. To their great surprise, they saw that he was using a
+skipping-rope, and skipping towards them, smiling good-naturedly.
+
+"Thank goodness, here's a man at last," said Dick. "Now we shall be
+able to find out something as to where we are, and how we are to get
+home again."
+
+"Ship ahoy!" called out the sailor, when he first saw them.
+
+[Illustration: "'They calls me a skipper,' said he, 'because I skips.'"]
+
+"How do you do?" said Dick, politely offering his hand.
+
+"Stop a bit, my hearty," said the sailor. "Salt!" and he began skipping
+rather quickly. "Pepper!!" and he quickened the pace considerably.
+"Mustard!!!" and the rope flew round so quickly that the children could
+hardly see it, while the jolly fat sailor skipped up and down furiously.
+Presently he stopped, and sank exhausted on a stone, puffing and blowing
+with all his might.
+
+"I'm a Skipper," he panted, in an explanatory tone.
+
+"A Skipper!" exclaimed the children.
+
+"Yes, they calls me a Skipper," said he, "because I skips."
+
+"But I thought a Skipper was a kind of Captain or something," said
+Marjorie.
+
+"Quite right, my little dear; I'm Captain of the tidiest craft ye ever
+set eyes on. She's lying out yonder. Will ye come and have a look at
+her?"
+
+"Oh, yes, please," said Dick, delightedly; "and perhaps you can tell us
+the way to get to England?"
+
+"To be sure I can," said the Skipper. "There are my men," he said,
+proudly, as they came to an open space, where a dozen or more sailors,
+of all ages, sat at spinning wheels, working industriously.
+
+"Whatever are they doing?" inquired Marjorie, curiously.
+
+[Illustration: "Each sailor was spinning a yarn."]
+
+"Spinning yarns," explained the Skipper; "each sailor is spinning a
+yarn--they always do that in their spare time, you know. Here, Bill," he
+called out to one of the sailors, who answered, "Aye, aye, Sir," and
+touched his forelock. "Bring some of your yarn here, and show this young
+lady."
+
+The man said, "Aye, aye, Sir," again, and came forward with some coarse
+brown worsted.
+
+"This," said the Skipper, "is the toughest yarn you will find anywhere.
+We are celebrated for it here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE ARCHAEOPTERYX.
+
+
+"But we always thought----" began Marjorie--
+
+"That when people spoke of a sailor 'spinning a yarn,' they meant
+telling a story," finished Dick.
+
+"Oh! oh! how _could_ you think such a thing," said the sailors,
+indignantly. "Sailors always tell the truth; don't they, Skipper?"
+
+The Skipper winked at Dick with one eye, and answered, guardedly, "Ahem!
+I _have_ heard a sailor speak the truth, certainly, but----"
+
+"Let's change the subject," said the sailors, getting up from their
+wheels. "Isn't it nearly time for us to be starting on another voyage?"
+
+"When we get some passengers, it will be," responded the Skipper,
+gruffly. "By-the-bye," he added, turning to the children; "_you_ want to
+go somewhere or another, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, to England," said Dick, eagerly. "Do you go there, please?"
+
+"H'm! Never heard of the place as I knows of," said the Skipper,
+scratching his head. "We might cruise about till we come across it, if
+you like, though."
+
+"Never heard of England!" exclaimed Dick.
+
+"No," said the Skipper, unconcernedly. "I never had no time to study
+goggerfy, I didn't, so there's lots of places I don't know, no more than
+the Man in the Moon."
+
+"But don't you find it very awkward?" cried the children; "however do
+you know how to go from one place to another?"
+
+"We don't know," said the Skipper, laughing; "that's just the fun of the
+thing. We get into our ship, and just go on and on till we come to
+somewhere or another, and then we land, you know. It's much the best
+way, and saves such a lot of bother."
+
+"I am afraid we should be a long while reaching England that way,"
+remarked Dick, dubiously.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," said the Skipper, "we might drop across it the first
+time, you know. You see, it's not much use knowing in which direction
+it lies, because, once you get out to sea, there are no roads and
+things, so one way is as good as another."
+
+"But don't you use a compass?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"What's that, Miss?" asked the Skipper.
+
+"Why, a little thing that always points to the North," said Marjorie.
+
+"Blessed if I know, Miss," said the Skipper, good-naturedly. "Here,
+Bill," he called to one of the sailors, "do we use a little thing that
+always points to the North?"
+
+"Not as I knows on," answered the man, sulkily. "We ain't got none of
+them newfangled things, and don't want 'em."
+
+"Dear me, what a very odd ship yours must be," said Dick. "Is it a
+steamer, or a sailing vessel, please?"
+
+"Oh, it's partly a sailing vessel and partly a rowing boat," said the
+Skipper. "She's a very fine ship," he added, proudly, "come and have a
+look at her."
+
+The children followed him to a kind of rough harbor, where a most
+extraordinary craft was moored. She looked very like a picture which
+all the children remembered having seen in an old book at home, and
+although there was a small sail, a number of gaily-painted paddles
+sticking through the side of the huge boat, showed that, as the Skipper
+had said, rowing played a very important part in moving it along.
+
+"What a dear old-fashioned thing," exclaimed Marjorie, directly she saw
+it.
+
+The Skipper looked rather hurt. "It isn't more than a thousand years
+old," he remarked.
+
+"Well, that's an awful long time for a ship to last, isn't it?" said
+Marjorie, pleasantly.
+
+"Our family is much older than that," chimed in the Dodo,
+consequentially. "We date back to----"
+
+"Oh, please don't go into ancient history," said the Skipper, "I can't
+bear it; it reminds me so of my younger days, when I was first learning
+to skip."
+
+"What _do_ you mean?" asked the children.
+
+"Why, when I was a little boy, you know," explained the Skipper, "I used
+to skip all the dry parts of a book--and the pages and pages I used to
+skip of my ancient history you'd never believe. It was that which
+decided my parents upon making me a Skipper. 'He'll never do for
+anything else,' they used to say?"
+
+"Well, are you going aboard or not?" he added, "because, if so, we ought
+to be starting."
+
+"Oh, yes, let's go," pleaded Marjorie, "we might just as well be on
+board as at this place, you know, and we shall, at any rate, be going
+somewhere, and perhaps we shall find some one who knows the way to
+England on the sea."
+
+So the children and the Dodo went aboard, and the Skipper blew a little
+whistle, which he wore tied around his neck by a white cord, and the
+sailors all came running up, bringing their spinning wheels, which they
+packed away at the bow of the vessel, and then settled themselves down
+at the oars. At the other end was a cosy little cabin, and above it a
+small deck, upon which the little passengers made themselves quite
+comfortable, and the Captain ordered the scales to be brought up from
+below.
+
+"What are they for?" asked Dick, who, boy-like, always wanted to know
+the reason for everything.
+
+"To weigh the anchor with," explained the Skipper, seriously. "We always
+have to weigh it when we start on a voyage, and again when we reach our
+journey's end."
+
+"What for?" asked Dick, who certainly remembered having heard the
+expression "weighing the anchor" before.
+
+"Oh, I don't know, I'm sure," said the Skipper; "pack of nonsense, I
+calls it; but it's the custom, and it's got to be done."
+
+So the anchor was duly weighed, and the exact weight put down in a book,
+and the _Argosy_, as the ship was called, slowly moved out of the
+harbor.
+
+It was a beautiful day, but there was just a little breeze blowing, and
+the sea was a little "choppy" outside, and, as a consequence, the
+_Argosy_ rolled a little.
+
+After they had been out at sea for about an hour, and the Skipper had
+been letting them take turns in looking through his telescope, the Dodo
+suddenly muttered something about having "forgotten his
+pocket-handkerchief," and hurried down into the cabin.
+
+"Why, I didn't know he had one," said Marjorie, wonderingly.
+
+[Illustration: "Hope you're feeling better, Sir."]
+
+The Skipper winked, and said in a whisper behind his hand, "They always
+say that; he's gone to lie down, the motion of the boat has made him
+feel a little seasick."
+
+The Dodo didn't come up for a long while and at last the Skipper said
+he would go down and see if he wanted anything.
+
+He found the poor bird looking the picture of misery, lolling limply
+against the cushioned seat.
+
+"Hope you're feeling better, Sir," he said, respectfully, tugging at his
+forelock.
+
+"Oh! oh!" groaned the Dodo. "Do throw me overboard, and let me die."
+
+"Nonsense," said the Skipper, cheerfully. "You'll be all right in an
+hour or two."
+
+"Oh, no," said the bird; "I shall never be well again. I have never,
+never felt so ill in all my life."
+
+"Lie down, Sir, and I'll cover you up with this rug," said the Skipper,
+kindly; "you'll be better presently."
+
+"Don't tell the others," gasped the bird, faintly.
+
+"All right, Sir," was the reply, and the Skipper went on deck again.
+
+The breeze was quite fresh still, and the children had climbed up into
+the "lookout," and were pointing eagerly into the distance.
+
+"Land! over there!" shouted Dick, when he saw the Skipper.
+
+"Oh! Ah! It's an island," said the Skipper. "I've been there before. The
+Archaeopteryx lives there."
+
+"The what?" cried the children.
+
+[Illustration: "'Charmed to meet you,' said the Archaeopteryx."]
+
+"The Archaeopteryx," repeated the Skipper. "It's an awful name, isn't
+it?"
+
+"What is he?" demanded Dick.
+
+"A kind of lizardish bird, or a birdish lizard, whichever you like," was
+the reply. "He's a great swell, I can tell you, and fancies himself
+immensely."
+
+The children were all eagerness to see this strange creature, and could
+scarcely wait until the ship reached the land.
+
+The Skipper went down and told the Dodo, who, directly he heard that
+they would meet the Archaeopteryx, made a great effort to pull himself
+together again.
+
+"I mustn't let him see me in this state," he declared. "He is a distant
+relative of mine, and a person of great consequence. Do you think," he
+continued, addressing the Skipper, "that you could clean up my gloves a
+little with some bread crumbs, they have become slightly soiled; and
+would you kindly rearrange my necktie?"
+
+These necessary preparations completed, the Dodo staggered up on deck
+just as the _Argosy_ reached the shore.
+
+The Archaeopteryx was waiting for them on the beach, and recognized the
+Dodo immediately.
+
+"Charmed to meet you again," he said, hurrying forward to meet him, and
+raising his hat, with a polite bow. "Pray, introduce me to your
+friends."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM'S BALLOON.
+
+
+"Delighted to make your acquaintance," said the Archaeopteryx, when the
+necessary introductions had been made. "I've often wanted to meet some
+human beings; come and have luncheon with me. I've a couple of old
+friends staying here who will be delighted to see you." So saying, he
+led the way to where two most extraordinary-looking creatures sat
+waiting at a table, which was set for seven people.
+
+"Both antediluvians," whispered their host, "the Palaeotherium and the
+Eteraedarium. Capital chaps, but crotchety."
+
+Fidge was a little alarmed at first, for they were really very ugly.
+They seemed quite amiable, however; and the Palaeotherium--his mouth full
+of banana--motioned them to seats at the table, and, turning to the
+Dodo, said, "Haven't I seen you before?"
+
+The Dodo smirked, and, smoothing his gloves, said, in a self-conscious
+voice, "Very possibly we _may_ have met before. I don't remember you,
+but mine is a face which one is not likely to forget. Where did we meet,
+do you think?"
+
+"I'm trying to remember," said the Palaeotherium, "it must have been
+several hundreds of years ago now, and my memory is getting so bad----"
+
+"I once stayed with the Ichthyosaurus," said the Dodo. "It may have been
+there."
+
+"Ah, that must have been it," said the Palaeotherium. "I met a curious
+lot of people there--very mixed lot of associates _he_ had, to be sure."
+
+"Ahem," said the Dodo, indignantly. "I hope you don't mean that I----"
+
+"My dear Sir," replied the other, "I'm quite sure you are highly
+respectable; your gloves alone are a guarantee for that."
+
+"Thanks," said the Dodo, looking quite happy again.
+
+"Do you know any riddles?" asked the Eteraedarium, suddenly, addressing
+Dick.
+
+"Let's see," said he, glad that the conversation had taken a turn which
+they could all understand. "I think I do know a few. Why is a robin like
+a waterbut?"
+
+"First of all," said the Archaeopteryx, anxiously, "what is a robin, and
+who is a waterbut?"
+
+"Oh, a robin," explained Marjorie, "is a dear little bird with a red
+breast that comes in the winter----"
+
+"Stop! stop!" said the Palaeotherium, "one thing at a time. What is a
+bird?"
+
+"Oh, I say! You _must_ know what a bird is," expostulated Dick.
+
+"I don't," said the Palaeotherium, stubbornly.
+
+"Why--why--the Dodo is a bird," explained Dick.
+
+"Yes, but nothing like a robin, Dick, dear," added Marjorie; "a robin is
+such a sweet, pretty little thing----"
+
+"Well, I never!" exclaimed the Dodo, "do you mean to say _I'm_ not a
+pretty little thing?"
+
+"Well, you're not _quite_ like a robin, are you?" said Marjorie, getting
+out of the difficulty very cleverly.
+
+"Not _quite_, perhaps," admitted the Dodo; "but I _am_ pretty," he added
+decidedly.
+
+"I don't see what all this has to do with my conundrum," said Dick.
+
+"Well, let's try again," said the Archaeopteryx. "Why is a robin like a
+waterbut?"
+
+"A robin is a bird that comes in the winter," repeated the Eteraedarium,
+"and the waterbut--is that also a bird?"
+
+"Oh, no," laughed Marjorie; "a waterbut is a tub for holding water."
+
+"Can it fly?" asked the Eteraedarium.
+
+"Of course not!" said Dick; "who ever heard of such a thing?"
+
+"Well, _is_ it like a robin? That's the point," said the Palaeotherium.
+
+"Not in appearance," admitted Dick. "Will you give it up?" he added,
+looking around the table.
+
+"Give what up?" asked the creatures.
+
+"The conundrum," replied Dick.
+
+"I haven't got it," declared the Dodo.
+
+"Nor have I." "Nor I." "Nor I," said the others.
+
+"No, no! I mean, will you give the answer up?" said Dick, losing
+patience.
+
+"But we haven't it," said the Archaeopteryx.
+
+"Look here, I'll tell you what we'll do," said the Palaeotherium,
+generously: "I'll give up the robin, and my friend here will give up the
+waterbut. There!"
+
+"Now _that's_ settled," said the Dodo, conclusively, "_I'll_ ask you a
+conundrum. 'If your wife's aunt is----'"
+
+"Stop! stop!" said the Palaeotherium, "I haven't got a wife, you know."
+
+"No," said the Eteraedarium, "he hasn't, and, if he had, she very likely
+would not have an aunt. Make it my wife's aunt."
+
+"All right," said the Dodo. "If _your_ wife's aunt is my brother's son,
+what relation is Dick to Tom?"
+
+"You haven't asked it right," said Dick, who knew a riddle something
+like that. "It's 'if this man's father is that man's son, what relation
+is Dick to Tom?'"
+
+"I wish you wouldn't interfere," said the Dodo. "I tell you the
+question is right as I asked it."
+
+"But your wife's aunt couldn't be anybody's son," said Marjorie, who was
+trying to puzzle it out.
+
+"Who said she _was_?" snapped the Dodo, crossly; "she is as likely to be
+anybody's son as a robin is to be like a waterbut, and besides, I didn't
+say she was; I said, if she was, you know."
+
+"Well, let's work it out," said the Eteraedarium, spreading out his
+fingers. "Let's see, that's my wife's aunt," he continued, pointing to
+his thumb, "and that's my brother's son," he added, touching the next
+finger, "and the other two will do for Dick and Tom. Now--er----"
+
+"Who is the other finger?" interrupted the Dodo, anxiously.
+
+"Me," said the Palaeotherium, solemnly and ungrammatically.
+
+"It isn't," declared the other.
+
+"It is," repeated the Palaeotherium.
+
+"Oh, very well! let it be so," cried the Archaeopteryx, impatiently.
+"What's the answer, anyhow?"
+
+[Illustration: "'Who is the other finger?' interrupted the Dodo,
+anxiously."]
+
+"I don't know," said the Eteraedarium, staring at his fingers stupidly.
+"I don't see what relation those two fingers are to the other two. Well,
+what relation _is_ Dick to Tom?" he asked, turning to the Dodo.
+
+"The same relation that the robin is to the waterbut," said that bird,
+conclusively. "Come on, let's get the Skipper to teach us how to dance a
+hornpipe," and he led the way from the table, quite disregarding the
+fact that the others had not finished.
+
+The Skipper, who had been quite as puzzled as the others were by these
+extraordinary conundrums, willingly agreed, and, first of all, danced a
+hornpipe himself very successfully, and then did his best to teach the
+others.
+
+The Dodo, with his short legs and big body, very soon gave up trying,
+and, thoroughly worn out by the exertion, lay panting on the shingle,
+while the Eteraedarium took his turn. He got along capitally, and the
+children laughed heartily at the queer capers which he cut.
+
+They were in the midst of the fun, when the Dodo suddenly jumped up,
+and, pointing excitedly up into the air, cried, "Look! Look! What's
+that?"
+
+They all looked in the direction which he indicated, and after a time
+discerned a tiny speck in the sky, which the Skipper declared, after
+watching some time, to be a balloon.
+
+"It's all red," cried Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Dodo, trembling. "Red! Are you sure?" he
+inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Certain," said Marjorie.
+
+"Yes," said Dick, "I can see it now; it's quite red--a bright scarlet,
+in fact."
+
+[Illustration: "The Eteraedarium took his turn."]
+
+"The Little Panjandrum's State Balloon!" gasped the Dodo, in a terrible
+fright. "Oh, my dear friends, hide me somewhere! If he finds me I'm done
+for! I've--got--his gloves on--oh! How could I have been so foolish as
+to have taken them--it's all my pride--and now I shall have to suffer
+for it--oh!--oh!" And the Dodo, quite overcome with fear and anxiety,
+fell upon his knees and sobbed violently.
+
+Meanwhile the state balloon belonging to His Importance the Little
+Panjandrum rapidly drew near.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DUFF AND DEM EXECUTIONER.
+
+
+"Can you see who's in it?" asked the Dodo, anxiously, when the balloon
+had drawn a little nearer.
+
+"Two gentlemen," declared Marjorie, whose eyesight was very keen. "And
+one is carrying such a funny stick, with a big hand at the top of it."
+
+"And the other one has just put on a hideous black mask, and has a
+curious kind of pole with a sort of scythe at the end," chimed in Dick.
+
+"What!" screamed the Dodo, "a black mask! Then it's the Lord High
+Executioner, and the other is the Court Glover. Oh dear! oh dear! what
+will become of me? I wish I'd never seen the wretched old gloves."
+
+The balloon by this time was almost directly overhead and was descending
+rapidly. Presently two ropes were thrown out, and a muffled voice cried,
+"Catch hold of these, please."
+
+Dick politely ran forward and hung on to one rope, while Marjorie and
+Fidge took the other.
+
+[Illustration: "The Court Glover arrives."]
+
+The occupants of the balloon then lowered some wooden steps, and gravely
+descended, the Lord High Executioner leading the way.
+
+The balloon, lightened of its occupants, bounded upwards again, and the
+children (who had the greatest difficulty in hanging on to the ropes)
+called to the Archaeopteryx and the others to come to their aid. To their
+great surprise, however, they discovered that these creatures, taking
+the Dodo with them, quietly slipped away.
+
+The Court Glover and the Executioner helped the children to fasten the
+balloon to one of the large palm trees, and then the Court Glover,
+folding his arms, turned to them abruptly and inquired, "Where is he?"
+
+"Who do you mean, Sir?" asked Dick.
+
+"The Dodo," was the response.
+
+"Oh! the Dodo! Why, he was here just now. I expect he has gone off with
+the Archaeopteryx and the others," said Dick.
+
+"The what!" exclaimed the Court Glover.
+
+"The er--Archaeopteryx," said Dick, hesitatingly, fearing that he might
+have mispronounced the name.
+
+"H'm! You see," said the Court Glover, addressing the Executioner, "to
+what depths this misguided bird has fallen, to actually associate with
+an animal bearing a name of _that_ description. I suppose it _is_ an
+animal, by-the-bye," he added, turning to the children.
+
+"Well," laughed Marjorie, "we are not quite sure. The Dodo says it's a
+kind of lizard-like bird, or bird-like lizard."
+
+"It's got feathers," chimed in Fidge.
+
+"Ough! The miserable creature doesn't even know what it is _itself_, I
+expect," said the Court Glover, in tones of disgust.
+
+"The others," said Dick reflectively, "are evidently animals--the
+Palaeotherium and the Eteraedarium, you know."
+
+"Look here," interrupted the Court Glover, severely, "you really must
+_not_ use such disgraceful language. I am not accustomed to it."
+
+"Why, they are only names," explained Dick, smilingly.
+
+"Very well, then. Call the creatures _thingummybobs_; I shall know what
+you mean--only don't use those other awful words again, they're
+outrageous. Now then, to come to the point--where is that Dodo?"
+
+"I'll try and find him," said Dick, obligingly, running off in the
+direction of some bushes, behind which he imagined that he might
+possibly find the runaways.
+
+"Is your--er--chopper ready?" said the Court Glover, turning to the
+executioner.
+
+"He--he--he--ye--es!" giggled that worthy.
+
+"Oh! If you please," pleaded Marjorie, "I do hope you are not going to
+execute the poor Dodo. I'm sure he's _very_ sorry that he took the
+Little Panjandrum's gloves, and he will give them back, I know. Please,
+_please_, forgive him."
+
+"He--he--he!" giggled the Executioner again.
+
+"Do be quiet," shouted the Court Glover.
+
+"Yes, I don't see anything to laugh at," said Marjorie indignantly.
+
+"Oh, he's _always_ laughing," declared the Court Glover; "that's why he
+has to wear a mask--so that people shan't see him laughing while he is
+chopping off their heads. It's so rude, you know, to giggle at a time
+like that, isn't it?"
+
+"I should think so, indeed," cried Marjorie, in a horrified voice;
+"perfectly disgraceful, I call it."
+
+"That's what the last man who was executed said," declared the Court
+Glover. After it was all over he said, "Well, I was never so
+disgracefully executed before in all my life; and I hope the next time
+you chop off my head, you'll get some one else to do it.'"
+
+"I don't understand," said Marjorie, who was dreadfully puzzled. "How
+_could_ he say all that after he was executed?"
+
+"Why not?" asked the Court Glover, composedly.
+
+"Why, people can't talk when they are killed, you know," said Marjorie.
+
+"He--he--he!" sniggered the Executioner, putting his hand up to his
+mouth under his mask.
+
+The Court Glover frowned at him. "Bless you, they aren't _killed_!" he
+said.
+
+"Not killed, when they are executed!" cried Marjorie.
+
+The Executioner giggled louder than ever, and shook his head.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Don't ask me, I'm duff and dem," said the Executioner.
+
+"He means dem and duff," explained the Court Glover, considerately.
+
+Marjorie laughed, and so did Fidge. "You are both wrong," she said. "You
+mean deaf and dumb, I suppose. But I don't think that _can_ be the case,
+for he must have heard me, because he answered my question, you know."
+
+"I didn't say anything about being deaf or dumb, either. I simply said I
+was duff and dem, and I defy you to prove to the contrary," said the
+Executioner, stubbornly.
+
+Marjorie was quite bewildered; but there was no time for further
+argument, for, just then, Dick and the Archaeopteryx returned, supporting
+the Dodo (who appeared half dead with fright), and followed by the
+Palaeotherium and the Eteraedarium, walking arm in arm.
+
+"Ah! now we will settle this little matter," said the Court Glover,
+placing himself in an imposing attitude, and motioning the Executioner
+to stand a little way behind him.
+
+The Dodo prostrated himself before them, the tears streaming from his
+eyes, and the offending gloves thrown on the ground in front of him.
+
+"Miserable fowl!" began the Court Glover.
+
+The Dodo winced.
+
+"To what degraded depths have you sunken! I find you here hob-a-nobbing
+with _thingummybobs_ and _what's-his-names_."
+
+"Here, I say, hold on!" interrupted the Archaeopteryx. "If you mean us,
+you know, we are----"
+
+"_Thingummybobs_ and _what's-his-names_," repeated the Court Glover,
+waving his hand contemptuously. "Was it to create an impression amongst
+such creatures as _these_ that you ran off with the very best pair of
+white kid gloves in the whole collection belonging to His Importance the
+Little Panjandrum? Oh, Dodo! Dodo! Dodo! it is _too_ much!"
+
+"How much too much?" inquired the Palaeotherium, kindly taking out his
+purse.
+
+The Court Glover waved him aside with an impatient scowl.
+
+"The vanity of the bird!" he went on--"white kid, above all others!
+Why, you might have taken a dozen pairs of colored cotton gloves, and no
+one would have minded in the least; but best white kid--oh! shocking!
+shocking! And look at the state you've made them in! But there--what can
+be expected of a creature that goes wandering about the world visiting
+what-you-may-call-ems."
+
+[Illustration: "'Bear up, old man,' said the Archaeopteryx."]
+
+"Of course, there's nothing to be done," continued the Court Glover,
+after an impressive pause, "but to execute you."
+
+The Dodo sobbed; and Marjorie, who was greatly concerned, began: "Oh,
+please----"
+
+But the Court Glover was inexorable, and murmured solemnly, "In one
+hour's time--here," he walked off towards the balloon, followed by the
+Executioner, who was giggling idiotically, and had to stuff a
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from laughing outright.
+
+"Inhuman wretch--there!" said Marjorie, bursting into tears, while the
+Dodo's friends assisted him up from the ground, where he was lying in a
+half-fainting condition.
+
+"Bear up, old man," said the Archaeopteryx, sympathetically, fanning him
+with his tail.
+
+"When did he say?" inquired the Dodo, faintly.
+
+"In an hour's time," said Dick, sadly.
+
+The Dodo shuddered.
+
+"Stop!" said the Eteraedarium, suddenly. "I think I have found a way out
+of the difficulty."
+
+"Oh! what is it? What is it?" cried the Dodo, eagerly; while the others
+all crowded round to hear what the Eteraedarium had to say.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE EXECUTION OF THE DODO.
+
+
+"Let us pretend," suggested the Palaeotherium, "that the Dodo is dead.
+They will readily imagine that the shock has been too much for him, and,
+of course, being dead, there will be no necessity to execute him."
+
+"He--he--he! Very nice indeed. A capital arrangement!" giggled a voice
+over the children's shoulder; and, turning round, they beheld the
+Executioner, who had apparently overheard everything that had been said.
+
+"Bother!" remarked the Palaeotherium; "now I shall have to invent some
+other way."
+
+"I can't think," said the Executioner, who had removed his mask, and who
+the children discovered to be a very amiable-looking gentleman--"I can't
+think why you are making all this fuss about the execution."
+
+"Well, how would you like it yourself?" asked the Dodo, indignantly.
+
+"I shouldn't mind in the least," remarked the Executioner, coolly.
+
+"Not mind being killed!" shuddered the children.
+
+[Illustration: "I never kill anybody when I chop their heads off."]
+
+"Oh, _that's_ another question entirely," said the Executioner. "I never
+kill anybody when I chop their heads off. It would be so cruel;
+besides, that old-fashioned way is so ordinary. I am the Executioner
+Extraordinary, you know."
+
+"Well, how on earth do you execute people, then, if you don't kill
+them?" demanded Dick.
+
+"Oh, by a new method, which I have invented myself," declared the
+Executioner. "I call it execution by proxy. I just make an effigy."
+
+"What's that?" inquired Marjorie.
+
+"Don't interrupt," said Dick. "Guy Fawkes is an effigy, you know--an old
+stuffed thing, with a mask on. Go on, please."
+
+"Well, then," continued the Executioner, "having made an effigy, as near
+like my subject as possible, I just chop its head off, and there is an
+end of the matter."
+
+He looked around at the company, and smiled triumphantly.
+
+Marjorie gave a sigh of relief. She didn't so much mind the execution
+taking place if the poor Dodo was not to be killed. To her great
+surprise, however, on looking at that interesting bird, she discovered
+that he was weeping copiously, and wiping with an elaborate lace
+handkerchief, which had evidently been concealed about his person, the
+tears which trickled slowly down his great beak.
+
+"What's the matter, poor goosey, goosey, gander?" said Fidge,
+sympathetically.
+
+"Don't!" snapped the Dodo, crossly. "I'm _not_ a goose."
+
+"Well, what _is_ the matter, anyhow?" said Dick. "They are not going to
+chop your head off it appears; so you ought to be glad, and not snivel
+like that."
+
+"I d--don't want to--to be--e m--made a guy of," sobbed the Dodo.
+
+"What _do_ you mean?" asked the Executioner.
+
+"Why, you said you would have to make an effigy of me; and he" (pointing
+to Dick) "said it was a kind of Guy Fawkes, didn't you?" he added
+appealing to Dick.
+
+"Well, never mind," said the Archaeopteryx, sympathetically; "you have
+the consolation that they couldn't make you a bigger guy than you are."
+
+Strangely enough, the Dodo seemed to derive a considerable amount of
+comfort from this idea, and, wiping away the few remaining tears, he
+began to take an active interest in the manufacture of the effigy, which
+the others set about constructing without further delay.
+
+"Is it like me?" he asked, conceitedly, as they bound some cloths to a
+piece of stick, in such a way that they bore some slight resemblance to
+a bird.
+
+"Dear me, what a pity! I'm not moulting, or you might have had one or
+two of my feathers to stick on for a tail," he added.
+
+"H'm! I shouldn't have thought you had any to spare for moulting
+purposes," said the Archaeopteryx.
+
+"Don't be unkind," retorted the Dodo; "_you_ haven't many to boast of."
+
+"I've more than you have, anyhow," said the Archaeopteryx.
+
+"Oh, for goodness' sake leave off quarreling. What on earth does it
+matter how many feathers you have?" said Dick.
+
+"Not to a _boy_, I suppose," remarked the Dodo, somewhat insolently;
+"but no respectable bird would care to be seen about with less than
+five; though, undoubtedly, too many are vulgar"--this with a scornful
+glance at the Archaeopteryx's tail, which was decorated with quite a
+number of curious flat feathers.
+
+I don't know how much longer this wrangling would have gone on, had not
+the Court Glover just then made his appearance.
+
+"Time's up!" he announced, sternly. "Are you prepared for execution,
+Dodo?"
+
+"Not quite," answered the Executioner, who was putting the finishing
+touches to the effigy; "his head keeps tumbling off."
+
+"Never mind, it will save cutting it off," said the Court Glover, who
+was evidently quite used to the Executioner's patent method of
+performing his dreadful duty.
+
+"Now then," he continued importantly. "Stand round in a ring while I
+read the Warrant. 'Ahem! Nevertheless, likewise, notwithstanding,
+heretofore, as is aforesaid. It having been proven that a certain bird
+named the Dodo having maliciously and contemptibly worn the white kid
+gloves of the Little Panjandrum, it is hereby enacted that the said
+Dodo, or his heirs male, or assigns, be chopped at the neck till one or
+all of their respective heads do fall off--and this to be done to their
+entire satisfaction. LONG LIVE THE PANJANDRUM!'"
+
+[Illustration: "'Alas! Alas!' murmured the Court Glover."]
+
+"What a rigmarole!" whispered Dick, while the Executioner stretched out
+the Dodo's effigy on the ground, and, resuming his hideous black mask,
+made ready to strike.
+
+"Alas! Alas!" murmured the Court Glover, covering his face with his
+hands, and peeping through his fingers, while the Dodo held his sides
+with suppressed laughter.
+
+The children all looked on with interest as the Executioner performed
+his terrible duty. Raising his curious scythe-like chopper, with one
+mighty blow he severed the piece of wood which answered for the Dodo's
+neck, and then stood gloomily aside.
+
+"_Fiat Justitia_!" said the Court Glover, solemnly; and then, turning to
+the Dodo, he inquired anxiously, "Well, how did you like it?"
+
+"Oh! it was delightful!" replied the bird, enthusiastically. "I am sure
+no one could wish to have a pleasanter or more delightful execution. I'm
+much obliged to you for having it so nicely performed."
+
+"Well, we always like to manage these little things as pleasantly as
+possible, you know," said the Court Glover, deprecatingly.
+
+"Oh! I quite enjoyed it!" said the Dodo. "That's a _very_ nice
+Executioner you have."
+
+"Yes; isn't he?" agreed the Court Glover. "Pity he laughs so much,
+though, it spoils the effect. Well, having done my duty, I must be off.
+Any message for the Little Panjandrum?"
+
+"Oh! can't we go back with you in the balloon?" asked Marjorie, eagerly,
+for it seemed to her a capital opportunity of getting away from this
+strange place.
+
+"H'm! I'm afraid not," said the Court Glover, reflectively. "You see, it
+only holds two comfortably."
+
+"Where do you want to go to?" asked the Archaeopteryx.
+
+"England!" said the children, all together.
+
+"Oh! _that's_ all right. I'll tell you the way to get _there_," said the
+Palaeotherium.
+
+And the Court Glover and the Executioner began to undo the cords which
+held the balloon to the palm tree.
+
+"You might leave me your card," said the Dodo to the Executioner,
+pressing a small coin into his hand. "I shall probably go in for a
+complete course of execution when I get back again; and, besides, the
+address of a good, reliable Executioner is a handy thing to have in the
+house."
+
+The Executioner giggled, and handed the bird his card, and then both he
+and the Court Glover got into the car, and the balloon was soon
+vanishing in the distance.
+
+After watching them nearly out of sight the Dodo capered wildly about
+till the children began to fear that he had suddenly gone off his head.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" inquired Dick. "Why are you carrying on in
+that absurd way?"
+
+The Dodo fumbled beneath one wing, and drew forth a little paper
+package.
+
+"Ha! ha! ha! _They went away without the gloves after all_!" he
+shrieked, and began to roll about on the ground in an uncontrollable fit
+of laughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE PREHISTORIC DOCTOR.
+
+
+"I can't imagine," said Dick, "why you think such a lot of those
+wretched old gloves. They seem to have got you into quite enough trouble
+already."
+
+"They look so respectable," explained the Dodo, "and give one such an
+air. You have _never_ before seen a bird wearing gloves, now, have you?"
+he added, appealing to the company generally, who were obliged to
+flatter his vanity by confessing that they never had.
+
+Dick, however, in a spirit of pure mischief, decided to play him a
+trick. So, when the Dodo, having put on one glove, strutted away to show
+off before the Archaeopteryx, leaving the other one behind him, Dick
+quickly picked it up and put it on himself, then calling to aid the
+power which the Panjandrum's Ambassador had given him of being able to
+make himself whatever size he wished, he cried, "I wish to be as big as
+the biggest giant that ever lived," and immediately became so tall that
+the Palaeotherium and the Eteraedarium, who were standing near, fled in
+dismay, while Marjorie and Fidge looked up with the greatest of
+admiration to their now big--big brother.
+
+Dick then telling them, in a voice that sounded like thunder, to stand
+aside, took off the glove, which had, of course, grown with him, and
+threw it on to the ground, where it lay a huge mass of coarse leather as
+many _feet_ long as it had formerly been _inches_, and with buttons
+almost as big as dinner plates.
+
+It was, of course, the easiest matter imaginable for Dick to reduce
+himself to his proper size again, while the glove remained as it was,
+and this he very quickly did, to the evident relief of the poor
+Palaeotherium and the Eteraedarium, who had been trembling and quaking
+behind a clump of trees, and looking with the greatest disquietude at
+these extraordinary proceedings.
+
+"This is fine growing weather, Sir," remarked the Palaeotherium,
+respectfully, as he came forward and stood by Dick beside the enormous
+glove.
+
+[Illustration: "'Is that it?' asked Dick."]
+
+Dick laughed, and rather delighted in the evident impression which he
+had made upon the creatures by his performance, and a moment after the
+Dodo returned, looking about him eagerly in search of his lost
+property.
+
+"What's the matter?" inquired Dick, solicitously.
+
+"Er--have any of you seen a white kid glove lying about?" said the Dodo,
+anxiously.
+
+"Is that it?" asked Dick, pointing to the enormous object lying at his
+feet.
+
+The Dodo gave a start.
+
+"Er--er--oh--my!" he exclaimed. "I do believe--why, surely it
+isn't--yes--yes--bless me, if I don't believe that it really _is_ my
+glove. Why, whatever has happened to it?"
+
+"It certainly looks rather large for you," remarked the Palaeotherium.
+
+"Large! why it's prodigious!" exclaimed the Dodo.
+
+"What size do you wear?" asked Marjorie, who was enjoying the fun.
+
+The Dodo undid the glove which he had on and looked inside.
+
+"Sevens," he remarked.
+
+"And this," said Dick, kicking the enormous glove open, "is marked
+ninety-nines!"
+
+"I don't believe I _could_ wear that size," said the bird,
+disconsolately. "Whatever is to be done?"
+
+"I should get inside it altogether, if I were you," suggested Dick.
+
+"Don't be ridiculous," said the Dodo, beginning to cry. "It's bad enough
+to--to--have one's gloves car--carrying on in this fas-fashion, without
+being laughed at by--by a parcel of cre--creatures that don't care
+anything about their per--per--personal appearance, and who--who
+nev--never wore a p--p--pair of gloves in their lives!"
+
+"Oh!" cried Marjorie, "I'm sure _we_ wear gloves when we are at home,
+don't we, Dick?"
+
+"Of course," said he.
+
+"And me, too," declared Fidge; "me wears goves."
+
+"I don't believe it," sobbed the Dodo; "and if I did, I wouldn't, so
+there!"
+
+"I think you are an awful cry-baby," said Dick; "I should be ashamed, if
+I were you, to be always sniveling about nothing."
+
+The Dodo didn't answer, but sat down beside the enormous glove, and
+continued to sob and cry till his eyes, which were never very beautiful,
+became swollen and red, and his little lace handkerchief was wringing
+wet with his tears.
+
+Marjorie, in her kind-hearted way, tried to comfort him, and privately
+suggested to Dick that, as the poor bird seemed so very much cut up
+about his glove, that he should restore it to its natural size again.
+
+This, however, Dick positively refused to do for the present, and the
+Dodo becoming worse instead of better, the Archaeopteryx said he should
+go and fetch a doctor.
+
+"Oh, do!" cried the Dodo, sitting up, and becoming interested at once.
+"I _love_ doctors, they give you such nice stuff to take."
+
+"Ough!" shuddered Marjorie.
+
+"I'm sure they do, then," said the Dodo; "lovely little pills with sugar
+on them, and powders in jam--oh, lovely! Don't you think powders in jam
+delicious?" he asked, appealing to Dick.
+
+"No; I certainly don't," was the reply, as the Archaeopteryx, followed by
+a funny-looking little old man, came running back.
+
+The Prehistoric Doctor--for so the children found he was called--was
+dressed in a coarse coat made of bear's skin, under which was a spotless
+shirt-front and collar; an old-fashioned pair of horn-rimmed spectacles
+completed his costume, while some dangerous-looking surgical instruments
+projected from a rough pocket tacked on to the side of his coat.
+
+[Illustration: "'Tut, tut, this is serious,' said the Doctor."]
+
+"Ah!--h'm! and _how_ are we feeling this morning?" he said, kindly,
+going up to the Dodo.
+
+The bird turned up his eyes pathetically and gave a sigh.
+
+"Like a dying duck in a thunderstorm," whispered Dick, and Marjorie had
+to hold her handkerchief to her mouth to keep from giggling out loud.
+
+"Ah! How is the pulse?" continued the Doctor, in a soothing voice.
+
+The Dodo gravely extended the pinion with the glove on it.
+
+This seemed to puzzle the Doctor a little at first, but after looking at
+it for a moment through his spectacles, he fished an enormous silver
+watch out of another pocket in his skin coat, and carefully pinching the
+glove between his finger and thumb, regarding his timepiece anxiously.
+
+This operation over, he shook his head gravely, and demanded to see the
+Dodo's tongue.
+
+"Oh! I couldn't!" simpered the bird; "I really couldn't; it's so rude to
+put out one's tongue, you know."
+
+A little persuasion, however, on the part of the Doctor prevailed upon
+him to open his enormous beak, and the examination was proceeded with.
+
+[Illustration: "They hurried to the station."]
+
+"Tut! tut! this is serious!" exclaimed the Doctor, regarding the Dodo's
+tongue critically. "We must have a change of air immediately, and
+thorough rest. I will go and make you up a little prescription, and I
+would advise you to start at once. The air at--er--the Crystal Palace
+would suit you admirably. There is an excursion starting to-day. I
+should certainly go by that if I were you."
+
+"The Crystal Palace! Why, that's near London!" cried Marjorie,
+excitedly. "Can't we go by the excursion, too?"
+
+"Of course you can," chimed in the Palaeotherium; "we'll all go, and make
+up a nice little family party."
+
+So, without further ado--the Doctor having made up his prescription,
+consisting of a large bottle of "bull's eyes," one to be taken every
+quarter of an hour--they hurried to the station, at the door of which a
+most energetic porter was ringing a huge bell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+WAITING FOR THE TRAIN.
+
+
+They found, on reaching the station, which was a very primitive affair
+with a thatched roof, that the booking-office was closed.
+
+"Clerk be goned away for 'ees 'oliday," explained the Porter, with a
+grin.
+
+"Then whatever are we going to do about tickets?" asked Marjorie,
+anxiously, for the trip to the Crystal Palace seemed to afford such an
+excellent opportunity of getting home again that she was anxious not to
+miss it.
+
+"He may be back before the train comes in," said the Archaeopteryx;
+"there doesn't seem to be one in sight, and we often have to wait weeks
+and weeks for a train here, you know."
+
+"But what was he ringing the bell for, then?" inquired Dick, "if the
+train isn't coming in."
+
+"I seed some smoke awhile ago, over yonder," said the Porter, "and I
+thought maybe 'tmight be th' train, but like as not it isn't."
+
+"Then we have had this long run for nothing," complained the Dodo,
+breathlessly.
+
+"Calm yourself, my dear Sir," said the Doctor, patting him on the back;
+"excitement of any kind is very bad for you. We will wait here quietly
+till the train does come."
+
+"But isn't there a time-table?" asked Dick, "so that we can tell when to
+expect it."
+
+"No, Sir," said the Porter. "There was a time-table when I fust come
+here, nine years ago; but it got lost somehow, and we've never had
+another."
+
+By this time the platform was crowded with a number of other animals,
+who had apparently come to join the excursion.
+
+"We had better get our tents before they are all gone," whispered the
+Palaeotherium.
+
+"Ah, yes, of course," said the Eteraedarium. "Er--Porter, just bring us
+some tents, will you?"
+
+"Tents?" exclaimed the children.
+
+"Yes; if we are to stay here till the train starts we shall find it very
+awkward at night without tents, you know."
+
+"Oh, yes, tents by all means," said the Archaeopteryx. "I think five will
+be sufficient," he added.
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving
+directions."]
+
+The Porter grumbled a little, and then brought forth from somewhere a
+number of poles and some canvas tents, and these the creatures began
+solemnly to erect on various parts of the platform.
+
+The Dodo excused himself from assisting, on the plea that he might soil
+his gloves, and contented himself with fussing about and giving
+directions in a loud voice.
+
+While the tents were being erected, the children amused themselves by
+exploring their surroundings.
+
+"Oh! there's a refreshment room!" exclaimed Marjorie, pointing to a hole
+in the wall, on the ledge of which were displayed a few doubtful-looking
+articles.
+
+"Shall I join you in a little light repast?" said an insinuating voice
+behind them, and turning around, they beheld the Dodo smoothing his
+glove and smirking ingratiatingly.
+
+Dick felt in his pocket, and was delighted to find that he had a
+two-shilling-piece tucked away in a corner.
+
+"Yes, we might as well have something," he said, generously. "I wonder
+who attends to this department? There doesn't seem to be anybody about."
+
+He knocked at the wall with his two-shilling-piece, and, suddenly, an
+elderly lady, with a very sharp face and a shrill voice, popped her head
+up and exclaimed, "Well! what do _you_ want?"
+
+Dick was startled by her sudden appearance, and stammered a little.
+
+"Er--er--a----" he began.
+
+"A glass bun and a bath of milk, please," prompted the Dodo.
+
+"No; he means a bath bun and a glass of milk," laughed Marjorie, smiling
+up at the lady's face.
+
+There was no smile in response, however, and she replied, crossly, "Why
+doesn't he say what he means, then? We've no bath buns, and no milk,"
+she went on. "There's a currant bun, a box of chocolates, and a bottle
+of gingerbeer. You can take them or leave them, whichever you like."
+
+"Er--how much is the bun, please?" inquired Dick.
+
+"Shilling," snapped the waitress.
+
+"Dear me! that's rather expensive, isn't it?" said Dick, regarding his
+two-shilling-piece ruefully. "And I'm afraid it looks a little stale,
+too."
+
+"Well, I never!" said the waitress, tossing her head scornfully, and
+shaking back her little corkscrew curls. "What next, I wonder? That bun
+has been here on and off for seventeen years, and I never had a
+complaint about it before. Stale, indeed!" And she sniffed scornfully.
+
+"Perhaps we had better try the chocolate," suggested Marjorie. "Can you
+tell us, please, how many pieces there are in the box?" she asked.
+
+"No, I can't!" was the ungracious reply. "It's half-a-crown," she added.
+
+That, of course, put it out of the question, and as the gingerbeer
+bottle turned out to be empty, the contents having evaporated some years
+since, the children were obliged to turn, somewhat disconsolately, away
+from the "refreshment room," and as they left they heard the waitress
+complaining, crossly--
+
+"I can't think what people want to come bothering for refreshments for,
+when I am busy reading; some folks have _no_ consideration for others."
+And she disappeared as mysteriously as she had arrived.
+
+A little further down the platform, to their great delight, they
+discovered an automatic machine, but were greatly disappointed to find
+that it only professed to supply "furniture polish," "tin tacks," and
+"postage stamps."
+
+"And as we have no post-office here at all," said the Archaeopteryx, who
+had by this time joined them, "the stamps are of no use whatever.
+Fortunately," he went on, "the Palaeotherium brought some banana
+sandwiches in his carpet bag; so, if you come back with me to his tent,
+we can have a little supper before we go to bed."
+
+The children very gratefully accepted the invitation, and were delighted
+on entering the tent to find that the Eteraedarium and the Palaeotherium
+had arranged quite a dainty little repast with the sandwiches, some
+fresh fruit, and cocoanut milk, which was served in the shell.
+
+While the feast was progressing it began to grow quite dark, and the
+Dodo suggested asking the Porter for a light.
+
+"There's only one candle," grumbled that individual, "and I be obligated
+to use that for the signal."
+
+So there was nothing to be done but to hurry over the supper as soon as
+possible, and go to rest.
+
+Marjorie and Fidge shared a little tent next to the Dodo and Dick, and
+the children made themselves as comfortable as they could, under the
+circumstances, with some cushions and rugs, with which the Porter had
+provided them; and, after chatting for a little while about their
+strange adventures, dropped off to sleep.
+
+They were awakened after an hour or two by the clanging of a huge bell,
+and, hastily putting their heads out of the tent, beheld the Porter
+rushing up and down the platform, ringing his bell violently. The candle
+was flaring away at the top of the signal pole, and the children jumped
+to the conclusion that the train had been signaled.
+
+"What's up!" called out Dick, as the Porter approached.
+
+There was no answer, and the great bell was plied more vigorously than
+ever.
+
+"Oh! _do_ leave off!" screamed the Dodo. "What's the bell for?"
+
+"To keep you awake," shouted the Porter. "I shall keep on ringing this
+bell all night to prevent you from going to sleep, in case the train
+comes in and you don't hear it."
+
+"But the noise will drive us mad," expostulated the Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "'Oh! Do leave off!' screamed the Dodo."]
+
+"H'm! won't have far to drive you, then," said the Porter, rudely.
+"Howsomedever, I'm going to do my duty, whatever happens, and this 'ere
+bell I'm going to ring if I drops."
+
+Remonstrance was vain, and as it was hopeless to try and sleep through
+all the noise the children got up again, and had hardly done so, when,
+looking towards the end of the platform they beheld a red and a green
+light appearing around the curve, and a moment later the train dashed
+into the station.
+
+"Crystal Palace train! Crystal Palace train! Take your seats, there!"
+shouted the Guard; and, regardless of the fact that they had no tickets,
+the children and their friends scrambled in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A NIGHT IN THE TRAIN.
+
+
+"What a funny puff-puff!" exclaimed Fidge, when, all of the creatures on
+the platform having entered the train, it slowly steamed out of the
+station, while the Porter took down the candlestick signal and carefully
+extinguished the light, remarking aloud, as he did so, "Well, thank
+goodness, _they're_ gone!"
+
+"I think," said Dick, looking about him curiously, "that it must be what
+is called a sleeping car."
+
+"Yes, of course it is," agreed the Prehistoric Doctor, who had joined
+the party. "See, here are the sleeping bunks. This is mine," he added,
+taking possession of one of the lower berths by throwing his carpet bag
+on to it.
+
+"I'll have the one above it," announced the Palaeotherium, climbing up to
+the upper berth, and clumsily treading on the Prehistoric Doctor's hand
+as he did so.
+
+"I shall have to be near my Doctor, of course, as I am an invalid,"
+remarked the Dodo, plaintively, "so shall take the lower berth next to
+him."
+
+And thus each of the creatures took up their respective positions, and
+the children thought it best to follow their example. Dick and Fidge
+climbed up to one of the upper berths, and Marjorie made herself
+comfortable in the one below them.
+
+"It's much better than being in those horrid little tents on the
+draughty station," she called out; "and we are sure to get to
+_somewhere_ in this train, aren't we, Dick?"
+
+"Yes, rather," was her elder brother's reply. "I say, Sis, what are we
+going to do when they ask us for our tickets at the Crystal Palace? I
+haven't got any money except this two shillings, have you?"
+
+"Not a penny," admitted Marjorie. "However," she added, yawning
+sleepily, "I suppose it will all come right; none of the other creatures
+took tickets, you know. The great thing is to get back to England."
+
+"There's a window up here, and I have just looked out," said Dick, "it's
+all pitch dark."
+
+"Yes," murmured Marjorie; "Underground Railway to Crystal Palace; that's
+how we went last time, you know--part of the way, at any rate--let's go
+to sleep now. Good-night, Dick."
+
+"Good-night."
+
+"Nighty, nighty!" shouted Fidge.
+
+"Good-night, Fidge, dear," was his sister's reply, in a very tired
+voice.
+
+A moment afterwards the train gave a lurch, and there was a crash and a
+loud cry from one of the lower berths.
+
+Dick hastily scrambled down to ascertain what was the matter, and found
+that the Dodo had tumbled out of bed.
+
+"Bless my gloves and beak!" ejaculated the bird, as he picked himself
+up; "it's enough to frighten one out of their lives, isn't it?"
+
+"Have you hurt yourself much?" inquired Dick, kindly.
+
+"No; I don't think so," said the Dodo, carefully feeling himself all
+over to see if any bones were broken.
+
+"How do you like my nightcap?" he inquired, suddenly and inconsequently.
+"Does it suit me?"
+
+"Oh, it's all right, I suppose," said Dick, laughing in spite of himself
+at the bird's vanity. "Where did you get it?"
+
+"Found it under my pillow," announced the bird, triumphantly. "That's
+why I tumbled out of bed, so that some one at any rate, should come and
+see me in it. Nobody else seems to be coming, though," he added, looking
+anxiously up and down, "so I shall go to bed again; but I shall leave my
+curtains wide open, so that if anybody passes by during the night, or in
+the morning, they will see how beautiful I am when I am asleep."
+
+At that moment there was an awful noise like a deep groan, which grew
+and grew in volume till it sounded like distant thunder, and then faded
+away and ended up with a comical little whistle. Again and again it was
+repeated.
+
+"Oh, Dick! what is it?" called Marjorie, putting her head outside the
+curtains.
+
+"I can't think," said Dick, in a puzzled voice.
+
+"Where have I heard that sound before?" exclaimed the Dodo, putting one
+finger of the glove to his forehead, and striking a thoughtful attitude.
+
+"Ah! I have it," he cried. "Of course, it's a prehistoric snore--the
+Doctor is asleep."
+
+And, sure enough, that was what the noise was. By listening outside the
+curtains of his berth they discovered, without a doubt, that it
+proceeded from there.
+
+"What a frightful row," cried Dick, indignantly. "We can't go to sleep
+with all that noise going on. Let's wake him up."
+
+"Oh, no!" cried the Dodo, "not for worlds. He is sure to be very
+sensitive on the point, and would doubtless resent it very much."
+
+"He ought to be made to sleep in another part of the train, or in a
+carriage by himself," grumbled Dick, scrambling back to his berth just
+in time to meet Fidge, who was trying to get down at the risk of
+breaking his neck.
+
+"Oh! Dick!" he cried, pointing to the further corner of the berth,
+"Look! Look! A snake!"
+
+"What?" cried Marjorie, from below, with a little scream.
+
+"A snake!" repeated Fidge. "Look, look, Dick!" he cried, pointing.
+
+Dick looked in the direction indicated, and was horrified to see what he
+took to be a huge snake, slowly crawling over the partition which
+divided their berth from the next.
+
+"Give me something to hit it with, quick!" he shouted, excitedly. And
+Marjorie, with another little frightened scream, handed him the
+Prehistoric Doctor's umbrella, which was lying on the floor outside her
+berth.
+
+Dick seized the umbrella, and, grasping it with both hands, aimed a
+mighty blow at what he took to be the snake.
+
+An agonized scream from the next berth, and a hasty withdrawal of the
+_snake_, was followed by the appearance of the Palaeotherium's head over
+the top of the partition.
+
+"Who did that?" he demanded, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"It was a snake!" cried Dick, excitedly, "and I was trying to kill it."
+
+"Snake, indeed!" said the Palaeotherium, wrathfully. "It was my tail."
+
+"Oh! I'm _so_ sorry," exclaimed Dick, "I really _thought_ it was a
+snake, you know. I beg your pardon. I _do_ hope I haven't hurt you very
+much."
+
+"H'm! Well, I can't say that it was very pleasant," said the
+Palaeotherium, "but if you are really sorry I'll forgive you--only you
+mustn't let it happen again."
+
+"Shouldn't have a tail like a snake," said Fidge, half crying, "and
+shouldn't let it come over in our bed."
+
+The Palaeotherium muttered something that neither of the children could
+understand, and retired, and, except for the Prehistoric Doctor's
+snoring, all was quiet again.
+
+This time the children really did get to sleep, and when they awoke the
+carriage was quite light, and Dick, looking out through the little
+window at the side of his berth, could see that they were traveling
+through some very delightful country.
+
+"Wake up! Wake up, Marjorie," he cried, "it's morning."
+
+"I'm velly hungry," announced Fidge, sitting up and rubbing his eyes
+sleepily.
+
+"Yes, so am I," admitted Dick; "we must see what we can do to get some
+food."
+
+"The doors at the ends of the carriage are open," cried Marjorie, from
+below. "I believe it's a corridor train, like that we went to
+Scarborough in last year," she added. "Perhaps there's a dining-car at
+the end of this one."
+
+Dick and Fidge scrambled down, and, accompanied by Marjorie, determined
+to explore.
+
+None of the other creatures were apparently awake, and most of the
+curtains were drawn.
+
+The Dodo, however, true to his word, had left his open, and there he lay
+in an affected attitude, with his gloves carefully displayed outside the
+bed-clothes, and his nightcap arranged at the most becoming angle.
+
+Dick could see that he was not really asleep, for one eye was partially
+open, and as the children passed he murmured, quite loudly enough for
+Dick to hear--"Ain't I _beautiful_?"
+
+[Illustration: The Greedy Eteraedarium.]
+
+Dick laughed, and passed on to where he could see some wash-basins and a
+water tap, and there the children had a most refreshing wash; and then,
+to their great delight, found that the next carriage was
+labeled--"BREAKFAST CAR"; and as it was the easiest matter in the world
+to step from one carriage to the other, they were soon at the door.
+
+As soon as they opened it they beheld a curious sight.
+
+There were a number of little tables in the carriage, on each of which
+were basins of steaming hot bread-and-milk.
+
+The Eteraedarium stood at one of the tables, and, with a spoon in each
+hand, was greedily devouring the bread-and-milk as quickly as he
+possibly could.
+
+"Come on!" he shouted, with his mouth full. "Just in time. There are one
+or two basins left; but make haste, before the others come, or you won't
+get any."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
+
+
+The bread-and-milk was very good, and the children enjoyed it immensely.
+
+They would have taken a second basinful had the Eteraedarium been at all
+pressing in his invitation for them to do so; but instead of asking them
+in the usual way, "Will you have any more?" he said, in a very anxious
+tone of voice, "You won't have any more, will you?" which was, of
+course, a very different thing; and so they each meekly said, "No, thank
+you," and watched the Eteraedarium finish up the remaining basins.
+
+"There now, I feel that I've done my duty," he said, with a sigh of
+satisfaction, as he wiped his lips with a serviette, after scraping out
+the very last spoonful.
+
+"You see," he said, with a sort of half attempt at an apology, "I was
+afraid the poor, dear Dodo, in his delicate state of health, might come
+in to breakfast and eat more than was good for him; so, by eating the
+lot myself, I have prevented him from doing that. He ought to be very
+grateful to me, I'm sure."
+
+"But what about the others?" asked Dick.
+
+"Oh, great, strong, healthy animals like them, it will do them good to
+go without for once in a way. I think, though, that in order to prevent
+them from feeling any disappointment it will be better to throw the
+basins out of the window, the sight of them would probably be rather
+tantalizing." And the Eteraedarium began hurriedly to throw all the
+breakfast things out of the window--spoons, basins, tablecloths, and
+serviettes, all disappeared, and only the three basins which the
+children had been using remained.
+
+They, doubtless, would have followed the others had not the Dodo,
+leaning heavily on the Prehistoric Doctor's arm, entered the breakfast
+car just at that moment.
+
+"Ah! bread-and-milk--capital!" exclaimed the Doctor, rubbing his hands,
+and looking at the children's basins. "I think our patient could manage
+a small basinful, eh?"
+
+The Dodo, with a great affectation of weakness, feebly nodded his head.
+
+"I think I _could_ manage a small basinful, Doctor--er--er--not _too_
+small, you know. A _very_ small quantity never agrees with me."
+
+"No, no; of course not," said the Doctor, soothingly. "I will see that
+it is not too small; and perhaps, just to encourage you, I will have a
+basinful myself."
+
+"It's all gone!" said the Eteraedarium, suddenly and emphatically.
+
+"Gone!" screamed the Dodo, in a loud voice, quite forgetting his
+supposed weakness. "Do you mean to say there is _none_ left?"
+
+The Eteraedarium shook his head.
+
+"But where's it all gone to?" asked the Doctor.
+
+The Eteraedarium solemnly pointed to the children.
+
+"Pigs!" declared the Dodo, wrathfully.
+
+"Here, who are you calling pigs?" demanded Dick, getting up angrily.
+
+"Well, I must say that it was exceedingly greedy of you to devour all of
+the breakfast," said the Doctor, reprovingly.
+
+"But we didn't," said Dick. "It was the Eteraedarium; he had ever so many
+basinsful. We only had one each, didn't we, Marjorie?"
+
+"No," said Marjorie; "and mine was a very small one."
+
+"And mine was the littlest of all," said Fidge, flourishing his spoon,
+"like the littlest bear's, you know, in the story of the Three Bears."
+
+"Well, where are the other basins, then, if you say the Eteraedarium had
+such a lot?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"He threw them out of the window," declared the children.
+
+"Oh! Oh! Well, I _never_--whatever will they say next?" cried the
+Eteraedarium, throwing up his hands and turning his eyes up to the
+ceiling.
+
+"I must say it doesn't seem a very probable story," said the Doctor,
+looking out of the window; "and as I don't see any of the basins lying
+about I am afraid I cannot believe your statement."
+
+"But that was some time ago," argued Dick, "and as we are traveling very
+rapidly they must be some miles down the line by this time."
+
+[Illustration: The arrival at the Crystal Palace.]
+
+"Rubbish!" exclaimed the Dodo, "you are only making matters worse by
+your lame excuses. I always had my suspicions that you were a greedy
+lot, like all the rest of the human creatures."
+
+"Ahem!" coughed the Doctor, looking pained.
+
+"Oh, you're prehistoric--that doesn't count," said the Dodo, and the
+Doctor brightened up again.
+
+Fortunately, at this moment, something occurred to prevent the argument
+from continuing, or goodness knows where it might have led to, for the
+children were naturally indignant at being so greatly misjudged. Dick
+was particularly wroth. Their attention was diverted, however, by the
+train dashing into a station, and coming to a somewhat abrupt stop,
+causing the passengers to pitch forward, while a porter called in a loud
+voice, "Crystal Palace! Crystal Palace! All change here!"
+
+"Oh! here we are, at last," cried the children, hurrying on to the
+platform where the animals were all turning out.
+
+The porter had given one horrified glance at the strange creatures, and
+then, with a howl of fear, had fled up the steps at the end of the
+platform. The children could see that he was explaining something or
+other to the ticket collector, for that worthy came to the barrier and
+peeped over.
+
+"Oh--o--o--a--aah!" the children heard him cry, and then he fled, as his
+companion had done, leaving the barrier free.
+
+"Come," laughed Dick, "that simplifies matters considerably, for we
+shall not have to bother about our tickets now." And the children
+hurried up the stairs, while the Dodo remained behind to adjust his
+gloves, complaining loudly that notice ought to have been given that
+they were nearing the station, so that he might have made himself
+presentable before alighting.
+
+On turning back, while on the steps, the children could see that,
+besides their own party, the train had contained a number of other
+strange animals, some of whom, the Archaeopteryx whispered, impressively,
+were "antediluvians."
+
+[Illustration: "'Sh'sh! A Missionary,' whispered the Dodo, excitedly."]
+
+The whole party having alighted, with a great deal of noise and
+confusion, they proceeded at once to the Palace. Everywhere their
+appearance was the signal for a wild stampede of other visitors, and by
+the time they had reached the great hall no one at all was in sight,
+except one old gentleman in glasses, who was consulting a guide book
+while he stood before a group of wooden Hottentots.
+
+"Sh!" whispered the Dodo, "a Missionary! I have seen them before, when
+abroad. In some places they are greatly admired by the natives, some of
+whom have described them enthusiastically as being simply _delicious_!
+Let us be friendly to him; he is, no doubt, a very excellent man.
+
+"My dear Sir," he continued, waddling up to the Missionary, "delighted
+to see you looking so well."
+
+The Missionary, who was very short-sighted, beamed kindly, and grasped
+the Dodo's glove, while he peered up into his face through his glasses.
+On catching sight of his beak, however, he gave a gasp of astonishment,
+and stammered--
+
+"I'm afraid, Sir, you've made a mistake. I--er--I--er--don't remember
+your face."
+
+"Oh, well, it is some time since we met, certainly; but perhaps you know
+my friend?" said the Dodo, introducing the Eteraedarium, who came forward
+with an engaging grin.
+
+The poor Missionary gave him a hasty glance through his glasses, and
+then, nervously clutching his guide book and umbrella, muttered
+something about "an important engagement," and fled in the direction of
+the big clock.
+
+"Strange how nervous everybody is in my presence," murmured the Dodo,
+conceitedly. "It's doubtless my beauty and brilliant wit which alarms
+them; but, come on, let's go out to the lake, and I'll take you for a
+row."
+
+[Illustration: "The Dodo was a muff at rowing."]
+
+So, having met with the Palaeotherium, they all three got into a boat.
+
+The Dodo was a muff at rowing, though, and kept "catching a crab," which
+disaster he accounted for by declaring that the fishes would keep
+holding on to his oar when he dipped it into the water; but the
+Palaeotherium, who was in the bow of the boat, and consequently got all
+of the splashes and knocks with the oar, declared that this was all
+nonsense, and I am inclined to agree with him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A DIFFICULTY WITH THE ROUNDABOUT.
+
+
+While the Dodo and his friends were enjoying themselves on the lake, the
+children and the others were wandering about the grounds, and
+continually discovering fresh attractions. What puzzled them not a
+little, however, was the fact that there seemed to be no other visitors
+about, and even the attendants had disappeared in a most mysterious
+manner.
+
+At the roundabout the steam was up, but there was apparently nobody in
+charge.
+
+"What a pity," said Dick, "I should have liked very much to have gone
+around on the horses, wouldn't you, Marjorie?"
+
+"I should," chimed in Fidge.
+
+"Yes, it would have been rather jolly," said Marjorie. "Don't you think
+perhaps the Prehistoric Doctor could manage to set it going? Let's ask
+him."
+
+"Well, my dear," said the Doctor, when consulted on the subject, "I
+don't know much about machinery, but I'll try, if you like."
+
+"What's that?" inquired the Dodo, just then coming up, he having failed
+to get on with the rowing to his own or anybody else's satisfaction.
+
+"Why, we are just discussing the question of setting this roundabout
+going," explained the Doctor.
+
+"Pooh! the easiest thing in the world," said the Dodo. "You just get on,
+and I'll soon start you off."
+
+"All right," cried the Doctor, getting astride one of the horses.
+
+"Hold on!" cried the Palaeotherium; "let us get on, too."
+
+And he and several of the others clambered up to their places.
+
+"I think," whispered Marjorie, nervously, "that we had better wait and
+see how they get on, before trying ourselves."
+
+"That's just like a girl," cried Dick--"afraid of everything."
+
+"I'm not," replied Marjorie, indignantly; "I'm quite ready to go on, if
+you want to--only I thought----"
+
+"All aboard!" interrupted the Dodo, pulling the lever.
+
+"Stop! Stop!" shouted Dick; "we want to get on."
+
+"Too late!" cried the Dodo. "You shall go on the next journey." And with
+a shriek from the steam-whistle the horses began to go around.
+
+"There you are, you see," said the Dodo, complacently regarding the
+result of his efforts. "I said it was an easy matter to set them going."
+
+Faster and faster grew the pace, till the Doctor, who at first seemed to
+be enjoying his ride immensely, suddenly threw his arms around his
+horse's neck, and gasped out, breathlessly--
+
+"Oh! Oh! Stop them! They're running away?"
+
+"Pooh! Nonsense!" cried the Dodo; "don't be a baby."
+
+"Stop them! Stop them! Help! Help!" screamed the other poor creatures,
+as the horses whirled around faster and faster.
+
+The Dodo went to the engine and tried to push the lever back again, but,
+to his great consternation, he found that he could not do so, and the
+only result of pulling another lever which he discovered was to make the
+machinery work more rapidly than before.
+
+"Gracious!" cried Marjorie, wringing her hands, "whatever _is_ to be
+done?" While even Dick turned a little pale, for the poor creatures were
+by this time whirling around so quickly that one could scarcely be
+distinguished from the other.
+
+Every now and then the poor Palaeotherium might be heard screaming above
+the others, who were all calling out in their fright and alarm.
+
+The Dodo left the engine, and came and stared at them.
+
+"H'm!" he ejaculated. "_I_ don't know what's to be done. If they don't
+stop soon, I suppose we shall have to shoot them. It's the only thing I
+can think of."
+
+"Shoot them!" exclaimed Dick, in a horrified voice.
+
+"Well, what else is to be done, I should like to know? We can't leave
+them here whirling around like that forever."
+
+"I should think," suggested Dick, after vainly trying to push the lever
+back into its place himself, "that if we raked all the fuel out of the
+engine, it would probably stop of its own accord."
+
+"Ah! happy thought," said the Dodo, and with all possible speed they set
+to work to carry out Dick's suggestion.
+
+They were delighted to find that after a time their project was
+successful, and the machinery gradually ceased to work, and at last
+stopped altogether.
+
+The poor creatures looked more dead than alive as with pale faces they
+clung limply to the upright supports attached to each of the horses.
+
+The Doctor, weak though he was, was furious.
+
+"Wretched, ungrateful creature!" he cried, getting painfully off his
+horse and going up to the Dodo. "This is how you reward me for having
+saved your life."
+
+"I couldn't help it," whimpered the Dodo. "I couldn't, really."
+
+[Illustration: "'Not any higher, please,' gasped the Dodo."]
+
+"Bah! I've a great mind never to speak to you again," said the Doctor,
+disgustedly.
+
+The other creatures now came up, and began to abuse the Dodo, too.
+
+Fortunately, just in time to prevent a general squabble, the
+Eteraedarium, who had not been one of the number to patronize the
+roundabout, returned with the information that there were some swings a
+little way off.
+
+Despite their unfortunate experience on the roundabout, there was a
+general rush on the part of the creatures for this new attraction, and
+the Dodo and the Eteraedarium had hard work to secure a swing for
+themselves.
+
+"Shall I give you a push?" asked the Doctor, kindly, though with a
+curious gleam in his eye.
+
+"Yes, please," said the Dodo, gratefully.
+
+"All right," said the Doctor. "Hold tight!" And he gave a mighty shove,
+sending the swing high above all the others.
+
+"It's very--very nice," gasped the Dodo, "but don't push any higher,
+please."
+
+"Hold tight," said the Doctor, relentlessly, giving another shove,
+harder than before.
+
+"Oh! please--please d--don't, or we shall be upset," implored the Dodo,
+nervously, as the swing shot up into the air.
+
+"I'll teach you to twizzle me on the roundabout," cried the Doctor,
+vindictively. "Will you ever do it again?"
+
+[Illustration: "Fidge was delighted."]
+
+"Oh! no, n--no, never!" promised the Dodo.
+
+"Well, one good one for the last, then," cried the Doctor, giving a
+final push, and then leaving the poor Dodo to his fate.
+
+I don't think that it could have been a very dreadful one, however, for
+a few minutes later he had joined the three children and the
+Palaeotherium in a journey on the switchback.
+
+Fidge, who had never been on one before, was delighted with the
+experience, and shouted, "Hooray! This is jolly!" as the car dashed down
+the steep incline.
+
+The poor Palaeotherium, however, his nerves evidently greatly unstrung by
+his unfortunate experience on the roundabout, was dreadfully upset, and
+alarmed, and, hiding his eyes, he crouched at the bottom of the car till
+it reached the other end, when he at once got out, and no amount of
+persuasion would induce him to undertake the return journey.
+
+He had scarcely got out into the grounds again, when he met the
+Archaeopteryx, who was carrying a strange-looking object, which he held
+up for the Palaeotherium's inspection.
+
+"Your tail, I believe," he said.
+
+The Palaeotherium gave a hasty glance at his back, and then said, in
+rather a shamefaced way--
+
+[Illustration: "Does this belong to you?"]
+
+"Thank you! Yes, it is. You see, I have been obliged to wear a false one
+for some time; I had no idea, however, that it had become detached." And
+he carefully adjusted it again, tying it on with a couple of tapes, and
+artfully concealing the ends.
+
+"Our family," he whispered, "have no tails to speak of, and, as we look
+rather remarkable without them, most of us wear artificial ones; but
+please don't tell the others, they are sure to make fun of me, if you
+do."
+
+"All right," promised the Archaeopteryx, kindly; "I won't, if you don't
+wish me to; but I----"
+
+"Hist! hist!" interrupted a voice, and the Dodo, with a very scared
+face, peeped from behind a tree. "Who _do_ you think is here?" he
+gasped.
+
+"Who?" inquired the others, curiously.
+
+"The Little Panjandrum himself," declared the Dodo. "I have just caught
+sight of him up by the Palace, and he looks _so_ angry about
+something."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM AT LAST.
+
+
+"The Little Panjandrum!" exclaimed Marjorie, "I _shall_ be glad to see
+him at last. What is he like?"
+
+"Oh! don't bother me about him," cried the Dodo, impatiently; "he's all
+right as Panjandrums go, I suppose, but I don't want to get into his
+clutches again, I can tell you."
+
+"Don't you, indeed?" remarked a voice, sarcastically. "Well, His
+Importance is particularly anxious to see _you_ again, anyhow."
+
+The Dodo gasped, and the children turning around beheld the Little
+Panjandrum's Ambassador.
+
+"Hullo! you here, too?" he continued, when he recognized them. "Well, I
+must say, you have been long enough bringing this wretched bird along."
+
+"I think you ought to be very grateful to us for having done so at all,"
+said Dick, boldly. "What are you going to do with him now you have got
+him?"
+
+"H'm! that remains to be seen," said the Ambassador, pursing his lips up
+tightly, and staring at the Dodo severely.
+
+[Illustration: "'Come along,' said the Ambassador."]
+
+"Come along," he continued, catching hold of what would have been the
+Dodo's ear if he had had one, but which was in reality a sort of woolly
+fluff growing all over his head.
+
+"Come along, and see your friend the Little Panjandrum."
+
+"Leave go!" screamed the Dodo, "you hurt."
+
+"Rubbish!" exclaimed the Ambassador, dragging him along, "it doesn't
+hurt _me_!"
+
+"Oh! oh! I've dropped one of my gloves," cried the Dodo, pathetically.
+
+"If you take my advice, you'll throw the other one away, too," said the
+Ambassador; "it will only make the Little Panjandrum more angry than
+ever to see them."
+
+"They make me look so respectable," whispered the Dodo.
+
+"Respectable!" said the Ambassador, contemptuously; "nothing would make
+_you_ respectable--you ridiculous object, you."
+
+"I think you are most un--un--ki--ki--kind," sobbed the Dodo, "you are
+always pi--pi--pi--pitching into m--me, and ca--ca--calling me
+n--n--nasty names. It--it--it's too bad."
+
+"Oh, stop that noise," said the Ambassador, giving the Dodo's wool a
+twist; "I'm ashamed of you. Ah, here comes His Importance," he
+continued, as the sound of a drum was heard in the distance.
+
+The children all eagerness to see the Little Panjandrum, stood in a
+line by the side of the pathway, while the Ambassador, keeping a firm
+hold on the Dodo, remained by their side.
+
+The sound of the drum drew nearer, and the children could distinguish
+another sound mingling with it.
+
+The Ambassador smiled blandly, while he kept time with his foot.
+
+Presently the children caught sight of a curious procession approaching.
+The Little Panjandrum, a little fat man in Oriental costume, was
+preceded by two attendants--one playing a kind of drum, and the other a
+jew's harp, while a third attendant held an enormous umbrella over His
+Importance's head. On the top of the umbrella were a number of curious
+signs, of which the children could not possibly imagine the meaning.
+
+"Obbly--bobblee--wallee--bobbel--ob," said the Ambassador, bowing three
+times, and dragging the Dodo's head down with him each time.
+
+"Flop!" replied the Little Panjandrum, and the two musicians fell on
+their faces.
+
+"Um--sopelee--gumbos--galapaloo--glab," remarked the Ambassador.
+
+"Ploff!" said the Little Panjandrum, and the black slave at the back
+jigged the State Umbrella up and down several times very violently.
+
+[Illustration: The Panjandrum and suite passed along.]
+
+"What a funny language," whispered Marjorie. "I wonder what they are
+talking about?"
+
+"Semlifee--dobbel--bingle--bingle--boff," cried the Ambassador, lifting
+up one leg, while the Dodo painfully followed his example.
+
+The Little Panjandrum gravely kicked the two musicians, who were still
+prostrate on the ground before him, and they immediately arose and stood
+on one leg each, like the Ambassador. Then His Importance himself
+balanced himself in the same way. The black slave at the back, whose
+legs were attached to those of the Little Panjandrum, imitated him.
+
+The children were highly interested in this proceeding, when the
+Ambassador, without speaking, motioned them to stand on one leg each,
+too.
+
+"Come on, let's do it," said Dick, "and see what they are going to do."
+
+So the three children solemnly hopped upon one foot, too.
+
+For a moment or two no one spoke. And at last the Dodo, gasping out,
+"Oh! I can't keep it up any longer," fell to the ground, and everybody
+else put their leg down again.
+
+"Ough!" said the Ambassador, in a disgusted voice. "Of course, _you_
+must needs spoil it all. Most disrespectful behavior to the Little
+Panjandrum, I call it."
+
+"I couldn't help it," gasped the Dodo, apologetically.
+
+"Oh, of course not," said the Ambassador. "A bad excuse is better than
+none."
+
+"Well, _I_ couldn't have kept it up much longer," declared Marjorie;
+"could you, Dick?"
+
+"No," said Dick; "I can't think what we are doing it at all for."
+
+"Court etiquette demands it," said the Ambassador, importantly. "Hush!
+His Importance is about to speak."
+
+"Gobloblee! grabluff!" said the Little Panjandrum.
+
+"Go on, Dodo," said the Ambassador. "_Gobloblee, grabluff_, at once when
+His Importance tells you."
+
+The Dodo gave a sigh, and went up to the Little Panjandrum's Umbrella
+and gave it a twirl. When it stopped, a little finger at the top pointed
+to the word "Guilty," which was painted in large letters in one section
+of the Umbrella.
+
+"Again," said the Ambassador.
+
+The Dodo, looking very dejected, gave the Umbrella another twirl. This
+time it stopped at the words "Hard labor."
+
+The Dodo groaned.
+
+"Once more!" shouted the Ambassador.
+
+For the third time the unlucky bird spun the Umbrella round, and this
+time it stopped at "Fine."
+
+"How much, your Importance?" asked the Ambassador of the Little
+Panjandrum.
+
+"_Cablofechee!_" was the reply.
+
+"Your gloves are forfeited," declared the Ambassador.
+
+The Dodo gave a despairing glance at the children, and began to remove
+his one glove.
+
+"What's he being tried for?" asked Dick, in a whisper.
+
+"Contempt of Panjandrumosity," said the Ambassador. "It's a dreadful
+offence. All trials are conducted by means of the State Umbrella; it
+saves all the bother of judges and juries, you know. But, look out! the
+Little Panjandrum is off again."
+
+"Dumflopety--golopegee--gal--popo--sum--delopotomex," remarked the
+Little Panjandrum, as he walked away, escorted by his retinue.
+
+"He says that your 'hard labor' sentence is, to carry the State Umbrella
+in future, and that you are to commence your duties in one hour from
+now; in the meantime you may consider yourself at liberty till then."
+
+The Ambassador followed after the Little Panjandrum, and the children
+gathered around the poor Dodo, full of sympathy for his misfortunes.
+
+[Illustration: "'Go it, Dodo!' cried the Palaeotherium."]
+
+"Have they gone?" whispered the Prehistoric Doctor, coming forward from
+behind a bush, behind which he had been hiding.
+
+"Yes," said Marjorie. "Isn't it a shame the poor Dodo should always be
+getting into hot water?"
+
+"Never mind," said the Doctor; "I've found something that will make him
+happy. Look here!"
+
+The Dodo raised himself up from the ground, and gave an inquiring glance
+at the Doctor who held out a pair of boxing-gloves.
+
+"Oh! what beauties!" said the Dodo. "How fat they are! Are they for me?"
+
+"Yes, if you would like them," said the Doctor. "I have a pair, too.
+Let's try a round together--shall we?"
+
+"All right!" shouted the Dodo, getting up excitedly, and hastily
+fastening on the gloves. "Now then--guard!" And he went for the Doctor
+furiously. The Doctor squared up, and was soon boxing as skilfully as
+the Dodo.
+
+The Palaeotherium and the Eteraedarium, hearing the noise, came forward
+and joined the crowd of creatures, which by this time had collected in a
+ring. And amid shouts of "Go it, Dodo!" "Three cheers for the Dodo!"
+the first round concluded, the ungainly bird winning a decided victory.
+They were just about to begin again, when they heard a succession of
+piercing screams from the direction in which the lake was situated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+TURNED TO STONE.
+
+
+"Good gracious! what's that?" inquired the Dodo, as the screams
+continued.
+
+"We'd better go and see," said Dick, practically running off in the
+direction of the lake, followed by the others.
+
+On passing the clump of trees and evergreens, which obstructed their
+view, they discovered the Little Panjandrum, in a great state of
+agitation, hiding behind the official Umbrella, his body-attendant lying
+prone on the ground in a state of abject fear; while the rest of the
+suite, having cast aside their musical instruments, were rushing away,
+shouting lustily.
+
+On the opposite side of the path stood a few of the prehistoric
+creatures which accompanied the children on their excursion to the
+Crystal Palace.
+
+They were looking at the Little Panjandrum with a mild surprise, and
+seemed quite at a loss to know what all the hullabaloo was about.
+
+[Illustration: The Little Panjandrum and suite are alarmed.]
+
+"Gulla--hubly--olla--bolee!" shouted the Little Panjandrum, pointing to
+the animals with his umbrella.
+
+"Oh, they're all right, your Importance," said the Dodo; "they are
+friends of mine."
+
+"Friends, indeed!" exclaimed the Ambassador, coming from where he had
+been hiding behind a tree. "Pretty friends! What do you call the
+creatures?"
+
+"Oh, there's the Archaeopteryx, you know, and the Eteraedarium, and the
+Palaeo----"
+
+"Stop! stop!" interrupted the Ambassador, as each of the animals
+mentioned bowed gravely. "I absolutely decline to know creatures with
+names like _those_. I'm sure they are not respectable, and I'm not at
+all sure, even now, that they are not dangerous; however, I shall know
+how to deal with _them_ presently. The penalty for alarming the Little
+Panjandrum is a very severe one." And he frowned very sternly at the
+creatures, who looked rather uncomfortable, and waddled off in the
+direction of the lake, whispering together in a decidedly scared way.
+
+"You didn't tell me you had all these hideous objects with you,"
+continued the Ambassador, addressing the Dodo.
+
+"I thought you knew," stammered the unlucky bird; "they are prehistoric,
+you know," he added, apologetically.
+
+[Illustrastion: There was some consolation, he was allowed to wear his
+gloves.]
+
+"That only makes it worse," declared the Ambassador. "In that case they
+ought to be dead, every one of them, ever so long ago. They have no
+right to be prowling about at a highly-respectable place like the
+Crystal Palace. No wonder there's nobody about; they've frightened them
+away, that's what it is. And you're to blame as much as anybody for
+bringing them here."
+
+"I didn't!" gasped the Dodo.
+
+"You did," said the Ambassador, emphatically. "You said they were your
+friends; so they _must_ have come with you. And I'll tell you what, in
+order to prevent you from picking up any more undesirable acquaintances,
+you shall just commence your duties as Umbrella Bearer at once," and,
+untying the ribbons by which the Little Panjandrum's attendant was
+attached to His Importance, the Ambassador, bringing forth a heavy pair
+of chains from his capacious pockets, proceeded to chain the Dodo up to
+the Little Panjandrum's waistband.
+
+The poor Dodo looked the picture of misery as the Umbrella was put into
+his hand.
+
+"M--may I have m--my gloves?" he whimpered.
+
+The Ambassador, after considering a minute, gave his consent, on the
+score that it _might_ improve his appearance, and caused the black
+attendant to hunt for the missing one, which had been thrown down on
+the ground near to the roundabout.
+
+He soon returned with it, and the Dodo, with a delighted chuckle, put
+the pair on, and, after smoothing them carefully, regarded his hands
+very complacently, and seemed to consider having them some compensation
+for the degraded occupation to which he had been put.
+
+"I'll go now and settle the others," declared the Ambassador. "What did
+you say their names were?" he inquired, sternly, of the Dodo.
+
+The poor bird called out the names one by one, and the Ambassador
+carefully entered them in his pocket-book, and then stalked majestically
+away in the direction of the lake, while the Little Panjandrum settled
+himself on a gaudily-colored rug, which the black attendant carefully
+spread on the ground at his feet, and with a self-satisfied smile on his
+little round face gravely twiddled his thumbs and took no notice of
+anybody.
+
+"Go and see what he does to them," whispered the Dodo, referring to the
+Ambassador and the creatures.
+
+Nothing loth, the children ran off to the lake to see what was
+happening. Pushing aside the bushes, they could see the Ambassador
+standing on the edge of the path, waving a wand in one hand, while in
+the other he flourished a legal-looking document.
+
+[Illustration: "In the name of the Panjandrum, I command you."]
+
+The prehistoric creatures were scrambling through the water, and getting
+as far away as possible on to the islands in the middle of the lake.
+
+"All you Palaeotheriums, Eteraedariums, Archaeopteryx, Megatheriums,
+Pleisiosauruses, Ichthyosauruses, and other prehistoric wretches, in the
+name of the Panjandrum, I command you--_be turned into stone_."
+
+When the Ambassador uttered these terrible words a most singular thing
+happened. In whatever attitude the creatures were they remained so; and
+gradually each assumed a stony and lifeless expression, and the spell or
+incantation which the Ambassador had pronounced had evidently taken
+effect.
+
+The children were very much alarmed, and ran back to the Dodo, and in a
+hurried whisper informed him of what had occurred.
+
+"Turned all the prehistoric animals into stone, has he?" said the bird,
+gleefully; "then I can see a splendid way out of my troubles. Wait till
+the Ambassador returns, and you will see some capital fun." And the Dodo
+struck a rigid attitude, and remained in that position, totally
+disregarding the questions with which the children plied him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE DODO'S LITTLE RUSE.
+
+
+The State Umbrella, which the Dodo had been carrying, fell to the ground
+with a crash, and so startled the Little Panjandrum that he jumped to
+his feet and nervously tried to run away. The chains, however, by which
+the Dodo was attached to his girdle, prevented him from doing so.
+
+The bird, with his beak in the air, and his gloves extended in a most
+grotesque attitude, was immovable and rigid as stone. Not a muscle
+moved, and the Little Panjandrum, after staring at him a moment, called
+out, angrily--
+
+"Olla--balloo--calle--gablob?"
+
+There was not the slightest movement on the part of the bird, and just
+then the Ambassador returned.
+
+"Hullo! What's the trouble?" he cried, staring at the Dodo.
+
+"Gablobbee--balloo--olla--wobble!" said the Little Panjandrum,
+excitedly.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Ambassador, "something gone wrong with the Dodo?
+Here, what's the matter with you?" he continued, giving the bird a
+shake.
+
+The Dodo didn't budge an inch, but continued in the same position, his
+eyes fixed in a stony stare.
+
+"I can't think what's wrong with him," declared the Ambassador, with a
+puzzled expression on his face.
+
+"Perhaps he's turned into stone, like the others," suggested Dick,
+mischievously.
+
+"Ah!" said the Ambassador, clapping his hand to his forehead in a
+dramatic manner; "_that's_ what it is, depend upon it. Good gracious!
+_how_ unfortunate. Let's see, what did I say when pronouncing the
+spell?"
+
+"Why, after mentioning most of the creatures' names, you said, 'and all
+other prehistoric wretches.' I remember quite well," said Marjorie,
+"because I thought at the time it was rather rude of you to call them
+wretches."
+
+"H'm! Then _he_ must have been a prehistoric wretch," said the
+Ambassador, absently. "Dear me! I always knew he was extinct, but I had
+no idea he was antediluvian as well. That accounts for a lot of things.
+No wonder he was eccentric." And he gazed at the Dodo quite sorrowfully.
+
+"Well, well," he resumed, "it can't be helped now. We must make the best
+of a bad matter; all the talking in the world won't restore him to life
+again." And he turned to the Little Panjandrum and entered into a lengthy
+conversation with him in their native language, which the children could
+not understand in the least.
+
+[Illustration: The Dodo was rigid, motionless.]
+
+The Little Panjandrum seemed greatly distressed at the disaster which
+had befallen the Dodo, and, it appeared, insisted upon a monument being
+erected to his memory. Thereupon the Ambassador, by a brilliant
+inspiration, thought of the novel plan of making the bird act as his own
+statue.
+
+"As he is turned into stone," said he, "we have only to find a pedestal
+to put him on, and there we are."
+
+A little way off, a stone Cupid, rather the worse for wear, stood beside
+the pathway, and this, the Ambassador decided, should be removed to make
+way for the Dodo.
+
+The united efforts of the Little Panjandrum's suite (who had by this
+time returned, having been assured that the creatures which had so
+alarmed them had been rendered harmless) soon succeeded in overthrowing
+Cupid from his pedestal, and after a great deal of pulling, pushing, and
+straining, the Dodo, still posing in his grotesque attitude, was stuck
+up in his place.
+
+"There must be an inscription," said the Ambassador, and, rummaging
+about in his pockets, he brought forth a piece of black crayon. "THE
+DODO, NOW FORTUNATELY EXTINCT," he wrote in large letters, and then
+stood back to admire the effect.
+
+[Illustrastion: The Dodo's Monument.]
+
+The Little Panjandrum beamed approval, and calling together his suite,
+the Black Attendant once more raised the State Umbrella over His
+Importance's head, and the tom-tom and Jew's harp began their strange
+music, while the Ambassador took a hurried leave of the children, and
+the cortege passed out of sight. Fainter and fainter grew the sound of
+the instruments, and the children, somewhat alarmed at being left all
+alone, were half undecided whether to follow or not, when their
+attention was called to a smothered giggling at the back of them.
+
+Turning around, they beheld the Dodo holding his hands to his sides, and
+shaking with suppressed laughter.
+
+"Ho! ho! ho!" he laughed, dancing about on the pedestal, "haven't I
+tricked them beautifully? _Turned to stone! The Dodo, now fortunately
+extinct!_ Ha! ha! ha! he! he! _what_ a lark! They'll find I'm not so
+extinct as they think." And, jumping down, he made a grimace in the
+direction in which the Little Panjandrum and suite had vanished.
+
+"I think I've got the best of them _this_ time," he continued,
+triumphantly.
+
+"But come, let's get out of this as soon as possible. You want to get to
+London, don't you? Let's start at once, if not sooner."
+
+"But, I say, what are we going to do for money?" said Dick. "One can't
+get to London without that, you know."
+
+"Oh, we'll find a way somehow," said the Dodo, hopefully. "Come along."
+
+So the children all trudged back to the Palace again. Fidge, who was
+very glad to see his old friend the Dodo restored to life again,
+wouldn't leave his side, but trotted along with him, chatting merrily.
+
+"Ah!" said the Dodo, as they went up the steps leading into the great
+hall, "there's my old friend the Missionary; perhaps he will be able to
+help us out of our difficulty." And going up to the gentleman, he gave
+him a playful pat on the shoulder, and exclaimed, pleasantly--
+
+"Here we are again, you see!"
+
+The Missionary started nervously, and peered at the Dodo through his
+glasses.
+
+"Oh--er--how do you do?" he cried, hurriedly, giving a rather startled
+glance all round him. "Are your other friends with you?"
+
+[Illustration:"'You're very good,' said the Dodo."]
+
+"Oh, you mean the Eteraedarium, and the Palaeotherium. No--they--er,
+they've met with a rather nasty accident. They've been turned into
+stone."
+
+"Bless me!" exclaimed the Missionary, looking greatly concerned. "You
+don't say so! What an extraordinary thing to happen. I had no idea that
+there were any petrifying waters hereabouts."
+
+"Well, they're turned to stone, anyhow," said the Dodo, "down by the
+lake there. It's rather awkward for us, you see, because we can't stop
+here forever by ourselves, and we haven't any money to get home with."
+
+"My dear Sir," said the Missionary, generously taking out his purse,
+"can I be of any assistance to you?"
+
+"It's very kind of you," said the Dodo.
+
+"Not at all," cried the Missionary, heartily, pressing some money into
+the Dodo's glove, which, of course, immediately fell off and
+disconcerted the Missionary very much, while the Dodo scrambled about
+and picked up the scattered coins.
+
+The children thought it very kind of the Missionary to lend them the
+money, and Dick and Marjorie went up to him and thanked him very
+politely; and then, having done this, the whole party hurried off to the
+train.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+FIRST CLASS TO LONDON.
+
+
+The railway station at the Crystal Palace was soon reached, and the Dodo
+went boldly up to the booking-office and demanded some tickets for
+London.
+
+The Ticket-clerk, who could only see the top of the Dodo's head, very
+naturally mistook him for an old gentleman without his hat, and
+inquired, politely, "What class, Sir?"
+
+This was a puzzler, and the Dodo went back to Dick and told him that the
+gentleman in the office wanted to know what class they were in.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Dick.
+
+"What class you're in at school, I suppose," said the Dodo, doubtfully.
+
+"Why, I'm in the fourth form," said Dick; "but I don't see what he wants
+to know _that_ for, unless--Oh yes, of course, I see--he wants to find
+out how old we are, because up to twelve years of age you can travel
+half-price, you know. Let's see--we only want halves, Marjorie and
+Fidge and myself; you'll have to get a whole ticket, I suppose, though I
+have seen a notice at a railway station somewhere, on which it stated,
+'Soldiers and Dogs half-price.' Perhaps it applies to birds, too. You
+had better ask, I think."
+
+So the Dodo went back to the booking-office again and inquired, "Do
+birds travel half-price?"
+
+"Birds!" exclaimed the Booking-clerk. "Nonsense! There is no charge for
+birds, unless you have a quantity," he added, as an afterthought. "How
+many have you?"
+
+"Oh, there's only one," said the Dodo.
+
+"Take it in the carriage with you, no charge," said the Clerk.
+
+"Thanks! It's awfully kind of you," said the Dodo. "I'll take three
+half-tickets for London, then, please."
+
+"First class?" inquired the Clerk.
+
+"No! Fourth form, please," said the Dodo.
+
+"You mean fourth _class_, I suppose," said the Clerk, laughing; "but
+there _is_ no fourth class, you know. First, second, or third."
+
+"Oh! then I'll have third; I suppose that's the best?" cried the Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "You can't take that into the carriage with you."]
+
+"No," explained the Clerk, "first class is best."
+
+"What a funny arrangement," said the Dodo. "I should have thought the
+third would have been an improvement on the first; but, however, let's
+have the first-class tickets, please. When does the train start?"
+
+"There's one due in directly," said the Clerk. "Down the steps on the
+right."
+
+And the Dodo, collecting his change, and grasping his tickets, marched
+off towards the barrier.
+
+The Clerk, whose curiosity was aroused by the strange questions which
+had been addressed to him, came to the window to have a better view of
+his interrogator, and was just in time to catch sight of the Dodo
+walking off with the three children.
+
+"Well, I never!" he exclaimed, perfectly astounded at this strange
+sight. "And he asked if birds traveled at half-price, too! Well, I've
+had some odd customers here at the Crystal Palace, but never a one like
+that before." And he went back to his work in a highly-bewildered frame
+of mind.
+
+Meanwhile the Dodo and the children, finding no one at the barrier to
+obstruct them, went down to the platform, and a moment later the train
+came dashing into the station.
+
+"First class in the middle of the train," shouted Dick, grasping Fidge's
+hand, and hurrying down the platform.
+
+"Here! where are you going to with that bird?" shouted a voice behind
+them, and Dick and the Dodo turned around and walked slowly back to
+where the Guard, an elderly and very important-looking man, stood
+regarding them sternly.
+
+"Oh, it's all right; the gentleman up-stairs said there was no charge
+for birds," explained the Dodo, importantly, thinking that the man was
+inquiring about his ticket.
+
+"H'm! sort of a big parrot, I suppose, Sir?" said the Guard, addressing
+Dick, and not taking the slightest notice of the Dodo's remark.
+
+"Parrot, indeed!" shouted the bird, indignantly. "Perhaps you haven't
+noticed my gloves and necktie?"
+
+The Guard smiled indulgently. "Talks well, Sir," he said to Dick, "but
+you can't take _that_ into the carriage with you, you know. Better put
+him in the van."
+
+[Illustration: All crowded around, anxious to catch a glimpse.]
+
+"How dare you?" said the Dodo. "You'll do nothing of the sort, I can
+tell you." And despite the protests of the Guard he strutted up the
+platform and entered a first-class carriage, followed by the children.
+
+There was no further time for argument, as the train was even now late
+in starting; so the Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag, and,
+after an answering toot from the engine, they were off.
+
+They had the carriage all to themselves, and a moment or two after
+starting Marjorie discovered that somebody had left a little illustrated
+Magazine on one of the seats.
+
+They all crowded round to look at the pictures, and presently the Dodo
+exclaimed, excitedly--
+
+"Hullo! Look here! Why, here's a situation that would just suit
+me:--'Typewriter wanted; must be quick and accurate, and of undoubted
+respectability. Hours, nine till six. Liberal salary to suitable
+person.--Apply to A. B. C., Suffolk House, Norfolk Street, Strand.' It's
+the very thing! With the liberal salary, I shall be able to take a house
+somewhere in London, and we can all live together, and have the jolliest
+larks. We'll keep a horse and trap, you know, and I'll buy you each a
+bicycle, and we'll go to the Pantomime every evening, and to Madame
+Tussaud's, and the Zoo, and the Tower of London, and Masklyne and
+Cook's, and other things every day--and--and----" he went on
+breathlessly.
+
+"But do you know how to do typewriting?" asked Dick, dubiously.
+
+"Well--er, not exactly," admitted the Dodo; "but," he added, hopefully,
+"I can soon learn, you know; and, besides, the advertisement fits me
+exactly. I'm sure I'm quick and accurate; and as for my respectability,
+look at my gloves! I'm sure any one would engage me directly they saw
+what a superior person I was."
+
+"How much do you think the salary will be?" asked Marjorie.
+
+"Oh, I don't know. I suppose they'll be glad to pay me anything I like
+to ask," replied the Dodo, "and I shall be sure to ask enough, you may
+be certain of that."
+
+"But how are we to get to Norfolk Street, Strand?" persisted Marjorie.
+"We don't know where it is."
+
+"Father said, that if we were ever lost, we were to jump into a cab, and
+ask to be driven to wherever we wanted to go," suggested Dick,
+practically.
+
+[Illustration: "Kept the cabby highly amused."]
+
+"Of course," said the Dodo, "just what I intended doing." And then he
+rattled on about what he should do, and buy, when he got the situation,
+till at last the train stopped, and the Porter shouted out, "Victoria!"
+
+They all hurried out, and, disregarding the curious glances which their
+unusual appearance excited, made their way to the nearest hansom, and
+asked to be driven to Norfolk Street.
+
+There was some little difficulty at first, as to how they should all
+find room in the cab, but it was finally decided that the Dodo should
+sit on the top, while the three children managed to find room inside.
+
+The Dodo, from his elevated position, had a capital view of everything
+of interest which they passed, and kept the cabby highly amused by his
+exceedingly naive remarks about them all; while, to every exclamation of
+surprise or derision, which met them on every side from astounded street
+boys, the remarkable bird had something droll and amusing to say in
+reply. In fact, the driver declares to this day, that he never before or
+since has had so extraordinary a fare.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE DODO OBLIGES WITH A SONG.
+
+
+"Hold hard! Stop! Here we are!" cried the Dodo, soon after they had
+reached Charing Cross. "There's A. B. C."
+
+"We haven't got to Norfolk Street yet," said the cabby.
+
+"Never mind, there's A. B. C., and that's who I want," declared the
+Dodo, scrambling down from the roof. "You stay in the cab till I come
+back," he called out to the children, smoothing his gloves and settling
+his tie as he walked towards the door.
+
+The children watched him enter, and through the glass door of the
+shop--for it was a shop into which he had gone--saw him engaged in a
+lengthy conversation with a young lady, who at first seemed afraid of
+him; but, some more ladies coming up, they closed around the bird, and
+seemed to be highly amused at something, while the Dodo grew more and
+more excited, waving his pinions about, and stamping his claws
+furiously, and finally rushing out of the shop and slamming the door too
+violently.
+
+"I never heard of such impertinence," he declared, puffing and blowing
+in his excitement, "putting up A. B. C., when they are nothing of the
+sort. They wanted to tell me that they have a right to use those
+letters, because they are the Aerated Bread Company. What rubbish! They
+might as well stick up X. Y. Z. Who's to know what's meant? Aerated
+Bread Company, indeed! It might as well have stood for Antediluvian
+Bottlewashing Company. Bah! I've no patience with such nonsense." And in
+a highly-ruffled state of mind he scrambled back to his place on the
+roof, and told the cabby to drive on to Norfolk Street.
+
+After a few minutes' ride they stopped outside a handsome building, and
+the Dodo once more alighted, and went up the steps to where a man in
+brown livery, with gilt buttons, stood by the lift.
+
+"Are you A. B. C.?" demanded the Dodo, posing in what he evidently took
+to be a dignified attitude.
+
+"N--no--second floor!" gasped the astonished attendant.
+
+"Dear me, what a bother," said the Dodo. "Just go and tell him I'm here,
+will you?" he said; "I've come about the situation, you know."
+
+"Oh!" said the man, "you'd better go up; there are several applicants
+already."
+
+"Bless me!" cried the Dodo, in alarm. "I'd better hurry then."
+
+"Will you go up in the lift--er--Sir?" asked the attendant.
+
+"What's that?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"Oh, get in, and you'll see," said the man, unceremoniously, pushing the
+bird into the lift, and getting in after him.
+
+He pulled the rope, and up they went, the Dodo sinking to the ground
+with a ridiculous sprawl as the lift ascended.
+
+"Oh! Oh! Stop!" he screamed, shrilly.
+
+But the lift went till the second floor was reached, when the attendant
+opened the door, and bundled the bird out into the passage.
+
+"Second door on the left," he called out, and, pulling the string, was
+soon out of sight again.
+
+"Good gracious!" gasped the bewildered Dodo, "I was never so bustled
+about before in all my life. But now for this A. B. C., whoever he is. I
+mustn't lose the situation if I can help it."
+
+The second door on the left was soon found, and the Dodo knocked with
+his beak.
+
+A small youth appeared, who at first seemed rather alarmed, but
+presently exploded into a half-stifled laugh. "My hat!" he exclaimed.
+"Here's a go! Why, blessed if it ain't a bird with gloves on--and a
+tie--oh! what a lark!"
+
+"No," said the Dodo, with dignity, "not a lark--your education must have
+been sadly neglected, my good boy--I'm a Dodo, or _the_ Dodo, in fact."
+
+"Well, I never!" said the boy, "if it isn't talking!"
+
+"Of course. Why not?" demanded the Dodo.
+
+"Oh! oh! this is too good! What may your business be, Mr.--er--Dodo?"
+
+"I've come about the situation," said the bird, smoothing his gloves
+consequentially.
+
+The boy exploded into a fit of laughter. "Oh, come in!" he cried. "This
+is better than a circus--come in--I'll tell the Governor you're here."
+And the Dodo was ushered into a room where two or three gentlemen were
+sitting at high desks.
+
+"Who is it, Perkins?" said one of the gentlemen.
+
+"Some one about the situation, Sir," said Perkins, stuffing his
+handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself laughing aloud.
+
+The gentlemen all turned around and stared at the Dodo.
+
+"Why, it's a bird!" cried one.
+
+"Of course it is; what else did you expect I was?" said the Dodo. "Are
+you A. B. C.?"
+
+"No--no," stammered the man. "I'm the Head Clerk, though, and--I----"
+
+"I've no time to waste with Head Clerks," said the Dodo. "Just go and
+tell A. B. C. I'm here, will you?"
+
+"But er----"
+
+At this moment an inner door opened, and another gentleman stepped into
+the room.
+
+"Whatever is all this noise----" he began, when he caught sight of the
+Dodo.
+
+[Illustration: "Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e"]
+
+"Are you A. B. C.?" said the bird, pouncing upon him at once.
+
+"Well--really," said the gentleman, "I----"
+
+"Don't beat about the bush. Are you A. B. C., or are you not?" demanded
+the Dodo.
+
+"Yes, I am, but----"
+
+"Very well, then, I've come to take the situation, and I'll just draw my
+first week's salary at once, if you please."
+
+"But," said the gentleman, with an amused smile, "I must see some of
+your work first. Perkins, bring the typewriter!"
+
+The boy brought the instrument, and placed it on a small table.
+
+"Now, then," said the gentleman, motioning the Dodo towards it.
+
+"Oh! it's so long since I played," said the Dodo, smirking bashfully, "I
+think I have almost forgotten my notes; however, I'll try." And,
+throwing his head back, he shrieked out in a discordant voice--
+
+"_Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e_!" banging on the keys at
+the same time with both pinions.
+
+"Here! Stop! Stop!" called out the gentleman; "you'll break it! _That's_
+not the way to do typewriting."
+
+"No?" said the Dodo, innocently. "I thought it was a kind of piano. I
+was singing to you, you know."
+
+"Oh! were you?" remarked the gentleman. "Well, don't do it again,
+please. I can see you won't do for us as typewriter," he added; "but
+perhaps I can get you a good situation at the Zoological Gardens. What
+do you say to that, eh?"
+
+The Dodo, who during the first part of the speech looked very
+crestfallen, brightened up considerably.
+
+"Yes, I should think that would do," he said; "I'll just go and ask the
+others."
+
+"What others?" demanded the gentleman.
+
+And the Dodo explained about Marjorie, and Dick, and Fidge, who had been
+waiting in the cab all this time.
+
+The children were at once sent for, and the whole party were shown into
+the private room, where Marjorie and Dick related their marvelous
+adventures, as well as the continual interruptions of the Dodo would
+permit them to do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE DODO DEPARTS.
+
+
+"It seems to me," said the gentleman, kindly, when the children had
+finished the story of their adventure, and had given him their names and
+addresses, "it seems to me that the first thing to be done is to get
+some suitable clothes for you."
+
+"Oh! we never thought of that," cried Marjorie, looking down at her bare
+feet in dismay. "You see, there have been such a lot of strange things
+happening lately that we quite forgot how we all looked. Of course," she
+laughed, glancing at the others, "we must appear very funny indeed,
+dressed in this fashion."
+
+"Ah! I fancy we can soon put that right," was the kind reply. "I have
+some boys and girls of my own, you know, and I think, if I send a note
+to my wife, she will be able to find some garments that you can wear for
+the time being. And the next thing is, to let your father and mother
+know that you are here. I expect they must be very anxious about you by
+this time."
+
+[Illustration: "'Oh, Papa! Papa!' cried Marjorie."]
+
+"Dear me!" exclaimed Dick, looking greatly troubled, "that's another
+thing we never thought of, Marjorie."
+
+"I want to see my Daddy!" announced Fidge, suddenly and decidedly.
+
+But on being assured that he should soon do so he sat down with the
+others, and looked through the picture books which Perkins found for
+them, while the gentleman sent home for the clothes, and telegraphed to
+their father.
+
+In the middle of the day some luncheon was brought in for them from a
+neighboring restaurant, and soon afterwards the clothes arrived.
+
+An Eton suit for Dick, the jacket of which was just a trifle short; a
+pretty, simple dress for Marjorie; and a sailor suit for Fidge.
+
+When the children had donned these, after having had a good wash, they
+looked as different as possible; and when, a little later on, they were
+led into another room with the mysterious statement, "That somebody
+wanted to see them," they were all eagerness to know who it possibly
+could be.
+
+As soon as the door opened, however, there could be no doubt as to who
+it was, for with a delighted cry of "Oh, Papa! Papa!" Marjorie rushed
+into the arms of a gentleman standing in the middle of the room, and
+seemed half undecided whether to cry or to laugh, while Fidge and Dick
+crowded around and joined in the excitement.
+
+[Illustration: The Dodo was moved to tears.]
+
+The Dodo, who had come into the room at that moment, thought that he,
+too, ought to have a share in the welcoming, and, in grotesque imitation
+of Marjorie, he tried to jump up into the gentleman's arms, crying
+excitedly, "Oh, Papa! Papa!" just as she had done.
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed the children's father, drawing back in
+dismay, and gazing at the clumsy bird. "What on earth is this?"
+
+And then, when they tried to explain--all speaking at once--they made
+such a confusion that he was glad to put his hands to his ears, and to
+cry out that they must reserve the story till they reached home. And
+after thanking the gentleman for all his kindness, the children and
+their father said good-by, and went down to the carriage which was
+waiting at the door to drive them away.
+
+It had been decided, despite the children's pleading, that the Dodo had
+better _not_ go home with them; and so, with many promises to write and
+invite him soon, they took an affectionate farewell of their old friend;
+and the last view they had of him, as he stood at the window, meekly
+flourishing a limp glove, showed that he was moved to tears at having to
+part from them. What happened to him after the children had gone I have
+never been able quite to find out.
+
+It _is_ said that, later on in the day, a curious-looking bird was seen
+by the people in the Strand, clumsily flying away over the tops of the
+houses, clutching a roll of papers in one claw. And from away down in
+the country comes a weird story of two countrymen, walking across a
+field, being--to use their own description--"flabbergasted!" at seeing a
+great bird flying over their heads, screaming out a lot of aggravating
+personal remarks as he passed, and finally dropping, from the end of one
+of his pinions, a soiled white kid glove, the loss of which seemed to
+cause him great uneasiness; but whether--as I shrewdly suspect--this was
+the Dodo, or not, I have never actually discovered.
+
+The people at Suffolk House, including Perkins, maintain a most
+mysterious silence on the subject, and will afford me no information
+whatever; and the only consolation which I can find, in my endeavors to
+ascertain whether these things really happened or not, is the fact
+that, on the island of the lake at the Crystal Palace, _all the curious
+animals which the Ambassador is said to have turned into stone, are
+really there_--you may see them for yourself--and I hope, when next you
+go to Sydenham, you will hunt them up. And if so, you will notice--what
+struck me as being a very conclusive proof of the truth of the
+narrative--that the Palaeotherium's tail really looks as if it were
+broken off, about four or five inches from the end; and decidedly as
+though he _might_ have worn a false one while he was alive.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Joe's Luck: A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+  situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and
+  the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike
+  Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck"
+  is certainly one of his best.
+
+Tom the Bootblack; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo,
+cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+  ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+  himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+  Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.
+  The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the Bootblack, came into a
+  comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
+
+Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+  Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+  pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of
+  New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the
+  Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the
+  house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the
+  little heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good
+  qualities that she adopts him as her heir.
+
+Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By Horatio Alger,
+Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+  Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and
+  gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large
+  estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down
+  a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him,
+  and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is
+  prosperous. A very entertaining book.
+
+The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
+  country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named
+  Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent
+  troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of
+  errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
+
+Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+  Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village
+  to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
+  California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling
+  that the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall
+  have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating
+  style.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+  himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+  situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+  wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter
+  helps the lad to gain success and fortune.
+
+Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+  Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+  mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+  Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+  overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+  told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so
+  many homes.
+
+The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+  Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother
+  and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+  Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+  young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+  is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+  takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+  well started on the road to business prominence.
+
+Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+  won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+  difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+  regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.
+
+A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West. By
+Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+  disappointments which he passed through before he attained success,
+  will interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this
+  delightful author.
+
+Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+  and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+  are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr.
+  Alger's most fascinating style.
+
+The Castaways; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+  leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+  coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+  her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+  leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake
+  the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
+  people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Wrecked on Spider Island; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+  livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there
+  discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable
+  amount of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of
+  the voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the
+  most captious boy could desire.
+
+The Search for the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+  Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+  then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+  wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the
+  help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images
+  from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape
+  is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+  incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+  realism of the narrative.
+
+A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide
+  shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself
+  afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-
+  back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious
+  document which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are
+  stranded on an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The
+  boys are sure to be fascinated with this entertaining story.
+
+The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By James Otis.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+  indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+  boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+  golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+  difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+  doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+  Treasure Finders."
+
+Jack, the Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine. By James Otis. Price
+$1.00.
+
+  This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth,
+  on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.
+  From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It
+  bears us along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but
+  never loses its force.
+
+With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.
+
+  Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+  frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British
+  occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life
+  skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are
+  given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without
+  considerable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as
+  are all of Mr. Otis' works.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges,
+illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial
+  Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+  incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+  excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar
+  with, and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays
+  and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will
+  remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized from
+  textbooks has been forgotten.
+
+At the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's
+  history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the
+  assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.
+  Israel Putnam.
+
+  The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+  telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas
+  Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent,
+  necessarily, in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable
+  stories founded on historical facts.
+
+The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By James
+Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+  thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+  founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+  recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as
+  can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and
+  his gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their
+  sacrifice of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young
+  readers.
+
+The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.
+
+  "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+  Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General
+  Washington's person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot
+  cause. They do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way
+  for an American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the
+  work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to require any particular
+  commendation to the young."--Evening Post.
+
+With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of Boston. By James
+Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after
+  the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life
+  in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,
+  shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle
+  of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three
+  heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the
+  enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will
+  like to read."--Detroit Free Press.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+With the Swamp Fox. The Story of General Marion's Spies. By James Otis.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+  Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave men
+  and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+  the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever
+  present in the mind of the reader.
+
+On the Kentucky Frontier. A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the West.
+By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+  In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than
+  that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of
+  frontiersmen. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from
+  the arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia
+  was captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history
+  which is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story
+  teller. This is one of the most entertaining books for young people
+  which has been published.
+
+Sarah Dillard's Ride. A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+  of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's
+  troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+  which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+  adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought
+  out as an incident of the plot."--Boston Journal.
+
+A Tory Plot. A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+  plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or
+  murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and
+  are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter.
+  They do so, and meet with many adventures and hairbreadth escapes. The
+  boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to
+  put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one
+  phase of the Revolution."--Pittsburgh Times.
+
+A Traitor's Escape. A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,
+  bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early
+  settlers in this country. In an historical work dealing with this
+  country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this one,
+  which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict Arnold's
+  escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of Sir Henry
+  Clinton. All those who actually figured in the arrest of the traitor,
+  as well as Gen. Washington, are included as characters."--Albany
+  Union.
+
+A Cruise with Paul Jones. A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By James
+Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when
+  he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+  strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+  upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous
+  battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+  taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular
+  cruise was begun."--Chicago Inter-Ocean.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Corporal Lige's Recruit. A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+  old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and
+  who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad
+  acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the
+  continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+  which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+  Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical
+  names appear in this dramatic tale."--Boston Globe.
+
+Morgan, the Jersey Spy. A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details
+  of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived
+  on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his
+  dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit
+  Yorktown, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan
+  risks his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter
+  with a squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the
+  bullets of friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this
+  volume one of the most entertaining books of the year."--Inter-Ocean.
+
+The Young Scout: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By Edward S.
+Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+  terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+  tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
+  The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+  Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+  chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly
+  escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of
+  Indian stories now before the public.
+
+Adrift in the Wilds: The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By Edward
+S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+  the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+  shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+  from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+  rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.
+
+A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from
+  the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred
+  Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves
+  and have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he
+  succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The
+  story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be
+  glad to read this delightful book.
+
+Lost in the Rockies. A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+  Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and
+  at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+  breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+  in the Rockies and among the Indians.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 53-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+A Jaunt Through Java: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+  cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+  Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+  Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+  with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+  lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.
+
+The Boy Patriot. A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+  "There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+  pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+  always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+  manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+  description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story."
+  --Journal of Education.
+
+A Yankee Lad's Pluck. How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in Porto
+Rico. By Wm. P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  "Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+  is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst
+  the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This
+  will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this
+  season."--Gazette.
+
+A Brave Defense. A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during
+  the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights,
+  Conn., in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster
+  rolls, either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort
+  Griswold on the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who
+  follows Halsey Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their
+  equally brave comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be
+  learning something more than historical facts; they will be imbibing
+  lessons of fidelity, of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which
+  must prove serviceable in the arena of life.
+
+The Young Minuteman. A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in 1777.
+By William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the
+  British occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and
+  William Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong
+  one, dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of
+  thrilling adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain
+  the book will find not only that his historical knowledge is
+  increased, but that his own patriotism and love of country are
+  deepened.
+
+For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. Henty. With
+illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+  "Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance
+  to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of
+  the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."--
+  Graphic.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+Roy Gilbert's Search: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By Wm. P. Chipman.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges
+  with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam
+  launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.
+  Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a
+  sinking yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The
+  hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed
+  with interest.
+
+The Slate Picker: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By Harry
+Prentice. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+  Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+  advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+  position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a
+  book of extreme interest to every boy reader.
+
+The Boy Cruisers; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. George Rathborne.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+  coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with
+  a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in
+  the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and
+  Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr.
+  Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are in
+  search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.
+
+Captured by Zulus: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By Harry Prentice.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+  Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+  Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The
+  lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.
+  They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice
+  tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their
+  native stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining
+  reading.
+
+Tom the Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph Hill. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+  ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and
+  the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+  purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+  to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+  the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.
+
+Captain Kidd's Gold: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+James Franklin Fitts. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+  There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
+  of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy
+  Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes.
+  There were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt.
+  Kidd. Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a
+  considerable treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this
+  book is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England
+  ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island and secure the money
+  form one of the most absorbing tales for our youth that has come from
+  the press.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
+publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK, MARJORIE AND FIDGE***
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