"It is," said he; "and I myself am the Court Musician, as I have said. It is my duty to furnish music for the King every day at half-past two in the afternoon, and I find a self-playing instrument a great convenience. Now, I am sorry to disturb you, but, by the way, it is nearly time for us to be returning."
"Excuse me, my children," remarked the Enchanted Banjo, "but you are holding my neck very tight."
At this, Lulu and Zuzu released their hold, and with a sigh of relief the Banjo again lay in two pieces on the table.
"Now, children, see what you have done!" exclaimed the Widow Pickle. "The Banjo is broken again."
"Never mind," said the Private Secretary, "it will always play when the two hold it together. Besides, it can not resist the Royal Hereditary Colors, madam, for these are very powerful in our Island."
"In truth," said the Widow Pickle, "I am of a mind myself to go to this wonderful place of which you talk. I would like to seek my fortune and that of my Twins. Have you credibly informed me that Twins with malazite-and corazine-colored hair would have a good chance in that country?"
"I have told you the truth," said the little dark man; "but I must say it is very far from here to the Island of Gee-Whiz, some hundreds of thousands of miles across the seas."
"Then, sir, how did you come here yourself?"
"I came by the Gee-Whiz Submarine Express," replied the Private Secretary. "How else should I come?"
"Alas! I don't know what you mean," said the Widow Pickle at this.