"Oh, don't you see?" the faint voice asseverated.
"But what are we to do?" said Arthur, raising his voice. "Tell us what we must do to avoid following you?"
"I don't know." The thin voice sounded like someone shouting in the distance. "How should I know? It's all so difficult. But don't make it more difficult than you can help. Keep smiling—laughter—such a jolly little world."
He was fading rapidly.
"Come back," shouted Arthur, scarcely knowing why he was so in earnest. "You must come back and tell us."
"Wallabaloo," echoed through the months. "Wum—wum—"
"What's that," Rose exclaimed, suddenly awakened.
"Hark," said Arthur, clutching her tightly. "Be quiet—I want to listen for something."
"Nine and ninepence—" he heard at last, very thin and distinct. And then there was stillness.
THE END