What ugly little fellows they were! Hal thought at first they were green frogs, for they were dressed in tight-fitting green coats, their big mouths reached from ear to ear, and their hands and feet were webbed.
“Hulloa!” cried Hal, “who are you?”
Instead of answering, they only laughed and choked, and choked and laughed.
“You seem to have got bad colds,” said little Cis.
“Perhaps, when you have done, you will tell us what you are laughing at?” continued Hal, in aggrieved tones.
Still they laughed and choked.
“I wish I were at home; my mother would give you some ipecacuanha wine, for I think you have got the croup,” said little Cis, in a troubled voice.
At this the dwarfs opened their mouths wider than before, and, at last, in low croaking voices began a duet:—
“My name it is Gup!”
“My name it is Joke!”