"Can't you see how a circus would jump at a chance to have these?"
"Maybe they're too small for a circus."
Red looked annoyed. He let go the cage which swung back and forth pendulum-fashion. "You're just trying to back out, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not. It's just—"
"They're not too small, don't worry. Right now, I've only got one worry."
"What's that?"
"Well, I've got to keep them till the circus comes, don't I? I've got to figure out what to feed them meanwhile."
The cage swung and the little trapped creatures clung to its bars, gesturing at the youngsters with queer, quick motions—almost as though they were intelligent.
II
The Astronomer entered the dining room with decorum. He felt very much the guest.