"Well, I want satisfaction! I want satisfaction, and I'm going to have it—"
But the crowd of animals in line behind the Crocodile, tired of waiting, gave a push that sent the latter past the window and out into the main hall, still mumbling something about "satisfaction." The Bull looked out of his office, much relieved, and shouted down the line,
"Somebody tell that Lizard he can come in."
It did not take so long as Tommy thought it would for all the animals to get on board. When the last one had passed in, preparations were made to haul up the gang-plank, for the wind had freshened, the skies had darkened, and the general appearance of the heavens betokened the approaching storm. Just as the big plank was about to be taken aboard, faint voices were heard from the ground outside:
"Wait a moment! wait a moment!" they cried. "Wait for us; we're almost there!"
It was the Turtles. By so close a margin did they get into the Ark. The Bull scolded them as they passed, and then slammed down the window, and the Gopher, on the rafter next to Tommy, heaved a sigh of relief.
Soon afterwards it began to rain. The big drops fell noisily upon the shingled roof of the Ark, and pattered on the window-panes.
"What is that noise?" asked a little Armadillo.
"That's the rain, dear," replied its parent.
"Oh no," said the little one; "the reindeer are sleeping down-stairs."