"I will hang the Royal Stranger's beautiful sheep's-coat on a hook," he said slyly. "There it will dry much quicker."
But Nod guessed easily what he was after. Once hung up there, how was he ever going to reach his jacket down again? "No, no," says he; "it's nearly dry already."
He took the gourd of soup between his knees. It tasted strong of fish, and was green with a satiny river-weed; but it was hot and sweetish, and he supped it up greedily. And just as he was tilting the bowl for the last mouthful he looked up and saw Thumb's round, astonished face staring in at the little dark window. He put down his gourd and burst out laughing.
"What makes the stranger laugh?" said the old Gunga-mulgar. "It's very good broth."
"I was laughing," said Nod, "laughing at that last fish I caught."
"Was it a big fish—a fat, heavy fish?" said the Gunga.
Nod stared, with one eye shut and his head a little awry, at the two hog-fish dangling on the wall. "Five times as big as them," he said.
"Five?" said the Gunga.
"Five or six," said Nod.
"Or six!" said the Gunga.