“‘I would. And they are—mostly.’
“‘Then why did you say they were too cold?’
“‘I didn’t. I want ’em that way. And they are, too.’
“‘But you’—
“‘There’s a conundrum about that,’ interrupted Orion. (He couldn’t stand it, to have them go on arguing.) ‘I’ve forgotten what it is; but the answer is: Because a hot snake is better than a cold hop.’
“‘Why! that isn’t it—at all!’ said Andromeda.
“‘I should think you were all cold snakes and toads yourselves!’ broke in Cassiopeia, indignantly. ‘Arguing like that, with that poor child all alone in the middle of desolation! What do you propose to do about it?’
“‘There isn’t anything we can do,’ said Cepheus. ‘It isn’t our place.’
“‘Xyntli is the one who ought to do something. She made all the trouble,’ said Andromeda.
“‘Don’t you be so silly,’ said Cassiopeia. ‘This is a serious matter.’