"What do you know about the Dodo?"
The others of the party, who were evidently his attendants, each carried a banner emblazoned with mysterious signs and characters.
The silver bells attached to the head of the ostrich, and on the top of the canopy over the grandee, tinkled merrily as he came forward.
“In the name of the little Panjandrum,” he shouted, in a loud voice, and immediately all the gnomes bowed respectfully almost down to the ground.
“His Serene Importance and Most Magnificent Greatness is grievously distressed.”
The gnomes all brought forth little pocket-handkerchiefs, and began to cry.
“The Dodo presented to His Worshipful Gorgeousness by the Grand Panjandrum himself has escaped!”
The gnomes all threw up their hands in dismay.
“Why, we saw it,” cried Marjorie, excitedly. “Didn’t we, Dick?”
The little man on the ostrich turned around sharply, and after staring at the children for a moment, shouted—