"Hullo," said Jimmieboy. "Back again?" "Do I look it?" asked the Imp. "Yes, I think you do," returned Jimmieboy. "Unless you are your twin brother; are you your twin brother?" "No," laughed the Imp, "I am not. I am myself, and I am back again just as I appear to be, and I've had a real dull time of it since I went away from you." "Doing what?" asked Jimmieboy. "Well, first I had to tell your mother that the butcher couldn't send a ten-pound turkey, but had two six-pounders for her if she wanted them; and then I had to tell him for her that he could send mutton instead. After that I had to blow up the grocer for your father, whose cigars hadn't come, and then tell your father what wasn't so--that the cigars hadn't been ordered--for the grocer. After that, just as I was leaving, the cook came to the 'phone and asked me to tell your Aunt Susan's cook that her cousin in New York was very ill with a broken wheel on his truck, and that if she would meet her in town at eleven o'clock they could go to the matinée together, which she said she would do, and altogether it has been a very dull twenty minutes for me. Have you enjoyed yourself?" "Hugely," said Jimmieboy; "and I hope now that you've come back I haven't got to stop enjoying myself in the same way. I'm right in the middle of the Fish Circus." "Oh, are you," said the Imp, with a smile. "I rather enjoy that myself. How far have you got?" "The Shark and the Lobster had just gone off when you came back." "Good," returned the Imp. "The best part of the performance is yet to come. Move over there in the chair and make room for me. There--that's it. Now let's see what's on next. Oh yes. Here comes the Juggling Clam; he is delightful. I like him better that way than if he was served with tomato ketchup." The Book interrupted the Imp at this point, and observed: "Now glue your eyes upon the ring, And see the Juggling Clam Transform a piece of purple string Into a pillow-sham. "Nor think that when he has done so His tricks are seen and done, For next he'll turn a jet-black crow Into a penny bun. "Next from his handsome heaven hat He'll take a piece of pie, A donkey, and a Maltese cat, A green bluebottle fly; "A talking-doll, a pair of skates, A fine apartment-house, A pound of sweet imported dates, A brace of roasted grouse; "And should you not be satisfied When he has done all that, He'll take whatever you decide Out of that beaver hat. "And after that he'll lightly spring Into the atmosphere, And show you how a Clam can sing If he but persevere. "When he has all this to you, If you applaud him well He'll be so glad he'll show you through His handsome pinky shell."