“Yes, if you would like them,” said the Doctor. “I have a pair, too. Let’s try a round together—shall we?”
“All right!” shouted the Dodo, getting up excitedly, and hastily fastening on the gloves. “Now then—guard!” And he went for the Doctor furiously. The Doctor squared up, and was soon boxing as skilfully as the Dodo.
The Palæotherium and the Eterædarium, hearing the noise, came forward and joined the crowd of creatures, which by this time had collected in a ring. And amid shouts of “Go it, Dodo!” “Three cheers for the Dodo!” the first round concluded, the ungainly bird winning a decided victory. They were just about to begin again, when they heard a succession of piercing screams from the direction in which the lake was situated.
CHAPTER XXII.
TURNED TO STONE.
“Good gracious! what’s that?” inquired the Dodo, as the screams continued.
“We’d better go and see,” said Dick, practically running off in the direction of the lake, followed by the others.
On passing the clump of trees and evergreens, which obstructed their view, they discovered the Little Panjandrum, in a great state of agitation, hiding behind the official Umbrella, his body-attendant lying prone on the ground in a state of abject fear; while the rest of the suite, having cast aside their musical instruments, were rushing away, shouting lustily.