"That's a good idea, too," responded the King. "So that's what we'll do. Make a policeman, Carpenter, and, if you can, make one that will keep awake. Do you think that's possible?" "Oh, yes," replied the carpenter. "I can fix him. I'll give him a hollow tooth, so that he can't breathe through his mouth without getting the toothache, and I'll make his skin so tight that he won't be able to shut his eyes without opening his mouth. See?" "Very good idea," said the King. "So, pitch in, Carpenter, and get him done as soon as you can. Hark! There's that bell again! Come on! Run! Or they'll find us yet." Away they all went again, round the corner of the wood-shed and up the hill where stood the dragon's tower--a round, fat tower with one arched doorway and no window. The dragon, himself, was not visible, until, walking round to the other side of the tower, they espied the end of his tail hanging over the edge between two of the battlements. "He's taking his afternoon nap," remarked the King. "Hi! You mouldy old reptile!" he called out. "Wake up! Here are two young ladies come to call on you!" At this, the long, scaly tail slowly withdrew, and in its place presently appeared the dragon's head, looking down at them. Thinking that he might feel irritable at being thus awakened from his nap, Margaret and Frances carefully got behind the King, while Periwinkle got behind _them_, but they felt reassured in a moment when they saw what a jolly old dragon he was; for his little eyes twinkled and his smile was of most genial proportions. "How do, Ladies?" said the dragon, cordially. "Very glad to see you. I would have come down earlier to pay my respects, only it was just the time for my music lesson, so I couldn't well get away." "No, of course not," assented Margaret, who was taking lessons on the piano herself and knew how it was. "So you take music lessons, do you? What on?" "On purpose," replied the dragon. "Lessons in singing, with big drum and cymbals accompaniment." "That sounds difficult," remarked Frances. "Won't you sing us something, Mr. Snap-Dragon?" "Yes, do!" cried Margaret. "Come on down Six-foot," said the King, encouragingly. "You needn't be bashful. Come down and show your paces." "All right," said the dragon. "Anything to oblige." So saying, he withdrew his head, the children could hear his scales going _clish-clash_ as he slid down the stairs, and presently he came oozing out of the arched doorway--there seemed to be no end to him.