“Oh! Oh! Stop!” he screamed, shrilly.
But the lift went till the second floor was reached, when the attendant opened the door, and bundled the bird out into the passage.
“Second door on the left,” he called out, and, pulling the string, was soon out of sight again.
“Good gracious!” gasped the bewildered Dodo, “I was never so bustled about before in all my life. But now for this A. B. C., whoever he is. I mustn’t lose the situation if I can help it.”
The second door on the left was soon found, and the Dodo knocked with his beak.
A small youth appeared, who at first seemed rather alarmed, but presently exploded into a half-stifled laugh. “My hat!” he exclaimed. “Here’s a go! Why, blessed if it ain’t a bird with gloves on—and a tie—oh! what a lark!”
“No,” said the Dodo, with dignity, “not a lark—your education must have been sadly neglected, my good boy—I’m a Dodo, or the Dodo, in fact.”
“Well, I never!” said the boy, “if it isn’t talking!”
“Of course. Why not?” demanded the Dodo.
“Oh! oh! this is too good! What may your business be, Mr.—er—Dodo?”