A little farther on he met neighbor Wasp-nest, taking his wasps out for some fresh air.
"Good morning, neighbor Bill," said Wasp-nest; "whither do we run, so full of fun, in the bright warm sun?"
"Oh, don't you know that the King owes me money? And I am going down to see him and make him pay me," answered Drakesbill.
"Oh, take us with you!"
"One can't have too many friends," thought Drakesbill. Then he said: "Certainly I will take you; but there are so many of you that you will soon get tired. So make yourself quite small, get into my mouth, creep under my tongue—and I will carry you."
Neighbor Wasp-nest thanked him very kindly, and then buzz, buzz, buzz, file right! march! There wasn't much more room, but by getting close together everybody was made quite comfortable.
And then Drakesbill went on singing.
In the afternoon he came to the great city where the King lived; and as he marched straight up High Street, he sang as loud as he could, "Quack, quack, quack! Oh, when shall I get my money back?"
When he came to the King's palace he climbed up the step; and then he stood on tiptoe, and knocked at the door, toc! toc! toc!
"Who's there?" asked the doorkeeper, looking out through the keyhole.