“Of course—that’s what we’re here for—to amuse you!” said Kabumpo scornfully. “Let's be going, Pompa!”
“Perhaps the Curious Cottabus can tell us something of the country ahead. Are there any Princesses living ’round here?” the Prince asked eagerly.
“Never heard of any,” said the Cottabus, opening its eyes. “Can you multiply—add—divide and subtract? Are you good at fractions, Prince?”
“Not very,” admitted Pompadore, looking mystified.
“Then you won’t make much headway,” sighed the Cottabus, shaking its head solemnly. “Now, don’t ask me why,” it added lugubriously, dragging its rocker back into the brush, and while Kabumpo and Pompa stared in amazement it wriggled away into the bushes.
“Come on,” cried Kabumpo with a contemptuous grunt, but he had only gone a few steps when the Curious Cottabus stuck its head out of an opening in the trees just ahead. “When are you coming back?” it asked, twitching its nose anxiously.
“Never!” trumpeted Kabumpo, increasing his speed. Again the Cottabus disappeared, only to reappear at the first turn in the road.
“Did you say the door knob hit you on the head?” it asked pleadingly.
Kabumpo gave a snort of anger and rushed along so fast that Pompa had to hang on for dear life.
“Guess we’ve left him behind this time,” spluttered the Elegant Elephant, after he had run almost a mile.