"Yes, I was. That was when I was a sailor. I saw kites enough there. They spend money on 'em, just as we do on horses; make 'em of all shapes and sizes. Don't need any tails."
"Kites without tails?"
"Well, some of 'em have, and some of 'em haven't. It's a knack in the making of 'em. I've seen one like a dragon, and another like a big snake, and they floated perfectly. Only a thin silk string, either."
"String's got to be strong enough to hold a kite," said Parley Hooker. "Look at yours."
"Yes, mine's strong; it's made of fine hemp. But it isn't any heavier than yours. What do you want of a rope, with a kite of that size?"
"It isn't a rope."
"It's too heavy, though. Besides, you've tied pieces together with big knots in them. You can't send up any travellers."
"What's that?"
"I'll show you. Some call 'em messengers."
Just then Parley exclaimed, "Sim! Sim! mine's broke! it's coming down!"