It is not recorded whether the Unitarian was the more surprised or the two Mummers.
THE IMPRUDENCE OF A POLITICIAN IN TRAVELLING FURTHER THAN THE NEWSPAPERS
THE Member of Parliament for West Churchling had walked far, and, losing his way in the darkness, came to the World’s End. There he spied the Hostel, where, round a bright fire, were seated the three Watchers, Arshel of the Twisted Nose, Zanoah of the Bright Hair, and the other whose name I can never remember.
They gave him greeting, and he sat down and warmed his hands by the fire.
Presently, Arshel turned to him and said, ‘Sing us a song.’
The Member of Parliament said with dignity, ‘I cannot sing.’
The three Watchers sighed and looked at him reproachfully.
‘Then dance for us,’ said Zanoah, picking up a little pipe.
‘I cannot dance,’ returned the Member of Parliament sadly. The three Watchers sighed more deeply.
‘Then tell us a tale,’ said the one whose name I can never remember. The Politician pondered for a moment, then began: