There was certainly no harm in declaring war; so Kit rode off at once on one of the King's fastest horses, and arrived the next morning at the court of King Topsyturvy, just as his Majesty was sitting down to breakfast.
"I have come from King Hurlyburly to declare war," said Kit, who always went straight to the point.
"What for?" asked King Topsyturvy.
"I don't know," said Kit. "That's what I want you to tell me."
The King ate two eggs before he replied.
"Well," he said presently, "I believe I said Hurlyburly was a shocking old muddler. I suppose that's it. All right! When do you want to begin?"
"I don't want to begin at all," answered Kit. "Why did you say he was a muddler?"
"Oh, just to make conversation," said King Topsyturvy, helping himself to marmalade.
"Then you don't really think he is an old muddler?" asked Kit.
"Dear me, no," said King Topsyturvy. "I never think."