The stocks were empty, but a little further off I found A. Fish, Esq., who seemed delighted to see me.
“Well I dever!” he exclaimed; “I heard you were going to be exhibited as a freak. What stories people do tell, to be sure.”
I briefly explained what had happened and inquired if he knew where the Wallypug was.
“Oh yes, he’s gode back to the Palace,” said A. Fish, Esq. “He’s id a rare way aboudt you.”
So I thought it best, in order to relieve his Majesty’s anxiety, to seek him there.
It was now getting dusk, and seeing a light in his Majesty’s private apartments, I went up and knocked at the door.
“Come in!” cried a voice which I had no difficulty in recognizing, and on opening the door I found the good little man pacing to and fro in a state of great agitation.
“Oh! it’s you,” he exclaimed in a relieved voice, and came forward to welcome me eagerly. “I was just wondering how on earth I could get you out of the Cockatoo’s clutches; she’s a wretched creature, isn’t she?”
“Well she is a trial, certainly,” I agreed, “and I think if I were you I should adopt some very strong measures for preventing her from interfering as she does.”