“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.