"I know what 'e said as well as you do; an' I'm no more wishful to get my leave stopped than what you are. But after all, where's the 'arm? We never been found out yet, an' it won't take 'arf a tick, an' I know a place where we'll never get spotted."
Reluctantly Alf was persuaded to Bill's retreat—a disused dug-out—and there, in much trepidation, he summoned Eustace. He produced The Sketch cutting once more from his pocket-book, and Bill explained to the djinn what was wanted.
"Mr. 'Iggins wants to marry that young lady you introduced 'im to, Eustace," Grant explained.
"Verily," replied the djinn, "the maid is of a fairness surpassing even the Princess Badralbudour, the bride of the Prince Aladdin."
"Yes. Well, this is 'er 'ouse, see? 'E wants you to take a 'ouse for 'im near by, something after the same style."
"In truth," said Eustace disdainfully, "it is not meet that the Lord of the Button should dwell in so mean a house. Command me that I build thee a palace like unto that of Aladdin, or even more richly bedight still, and it shall be done."
"Palaces ain't the fashion now," returned Bill imperturbably. "This sort of thing is all the rage. The lady won't like anything else, an' we 'ave to think of 'er, you know."
"See what you can do, Eustace," said Alf, "an' we'll wait 'ere for you."
"Lord, I hear and obey."
The djinn disappeared, and remained absent for half an hour, when he materialized once more, wearing a complacent expression.