The children very gratefully accepted the invitation, and were delighted on entering the tent to find that the Eterædarium and the Palæotherium had arranged quite a dainty little repast with the sandwiches, some fresh fruit, and cocoanut milk, which was served in the shell.
While the feast was progressing it began to grow quite dark, and the Dodo suggested asking the Porter for a light.
“There’s only one candle,” grumbled that individual, “and I be obligated to use that for the signal.”
So there was nothing to be done but to hurry over the supper as soon as possible, and go to rest.
Marjorie and Fidge shared a little tent next to the Dodo and Dick, and the children made themselves as comfortable as they could, under the circumstances, with some cushions and rugs, with which the Porter had provided them; and, after chatting for a little while about their strange adventures, dropped off to sleep.
They were awakened after an hour or two by the clanging of a huge bell, and, hastily putting their heads out of the tent, beheld the Porter rushing up and down the platform, ringing his bell violently. The candle was flaring away at the top of the signal pole, and the children jumped to the conclusion that the train had been signaled.
“What’s up!” called out Dick, as the Porter approached.
There was no answer, and the great bell was plied more vigorously than ever.
“Oh! do leave off!” screamed the Dodo. “What’s the bell for?”
“To keep you awake,” shouted the Porter. “I shall keep on ringing this bell all night to prevent you from going to sleep, in case the train comes in and you don’t hear it.”