“Ah, yes, of course,” said the Eterædarium. “Er—Porter, just bring us some tents, will you?”
“Tents?” exclaimed the children.
“Yes; if we are to stay here till the train starts we shall find it very awkward at night without tents, you know.”
“Oh, yes, tents by all means,” said the Archæopteryx. “I think five will be sufficient,” he added.
"The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving directions."
The Porter grumbled a little, and then brought forth from somewhere a number of poles and some canvas tents, and these the creatures began solemnly to erect on various parts of the platform.
The Dodo excused himself from assisting, on the plea that he might soil his gloves, and contented himself with fussing about and giving directions in a loud voice.
While the tents were being erected, the children amused themselves by exploring their surroundings.