"Why, certainly," said the big serpent. "I live in the same lake as he does, Lake Junganyika."
"You're a water snake, then, I take it," said the Doctor.
"Yes."
"You look rather worn out from your journey. Is there anything I can get you?"
"I'd like a saucer of milk," said the snake.
"I only have wild goats' milk," said John Dolittle. "But it's quite fresh."
And he went out into the kitchen and woke up the housekeeper.
"What do you think, Dab-Dab," he said breathless with excitement, "I've got a second letter from the turtle and the messenger is going to take us to see him!"
When Dab-Dab entered the postmaster's office with the milk she found John Dolittle reading the letter. Looking at the floor, she gave a squawk of disgust.
"It's a good thing for you Sarah isn't here," she cried. "Just look at the state of your office—it's full of snake!"