“But how are we to get there; we’re so hugely tiny?”
“Don’t worry about that,” said a small voice.
“Mr. Atom!” exclaimed both boys in a breath.
“As I told you some little time ago, size is nothing. Even now, to some of the insects, you look like giants. But it was a pity about the Taj Mahal, wasn’t it? Never mind,” he added, “when you get to Japan look for the North Wind. He’s a good fellow, and perhaps he’ll lend you a December day.”
“Yes! But how are we to get to Japan?” burst out Tibbs.
“Quite easily,” answered Mr. Atom. “If you take MY advice, you’ll walk quietly along this road till you reach a Bungalow on the left-hand side. There you will find a little Baba-Sahib blowing beautiful soap bubbles. Wait until one falls to the ground, and then—before it breaks—step inside, and think hard that you want to go to Coppertop in far-away Japan. You’ll be there in the twinkling of an eye. Ta-ta!”
Before they could thank him, Mr. Atom had gone, at least as far as they could tell.
They soon arrived at the Bungalow, and there was the little Baba-Sahib, busily blowing soap bubbles, as Mr. Atom had foretold.
They waited till a large and beautiful one came gracefully to the ground, where it bounced light-heartedly once or twice and then stood still! With the greatest care they crawled inside, and thought hard of their wish to go to Celia in Japan.
After a moment’s hesitation the glorious bubble rose gracefully into the warm air, and off they started.