"Anyhow," objected Matt. "I get first crack-I'm senior to you, Tex."
"Pulling rank on me, eh? Why you unspeakable rat!'
"Mister Rat, if you please, Yep, in this instance I claim j| rank."
"But this is a social occasion."
"Shut up, you guys," instructed Oscar. "Neither of you is to clip him unless he gets to sniffing around that food dish."
There was a noise "at the door, the curtain was pushed back and a native announced, "My mother will see thee. Come."
"Myself alone, or me and my sisters?"
"All of you. Come."
However, when Burke attempted to pass through the door two of the little creatures pushed him back inside. They continued, to restrain him while four others picked up Lieutenant Thurlow and carried him outside. The numerous party set out down the passageway.
"I wish they would light these rabbit nests," Tex complained, after stumbling.