"He may be back before the train comes in," said the Archaeopteryx; "there doesn't seem to be one in sight, and we often have to wait weeks and weeks for a train here, you know." "But what was he ringing the bell for, then?" inquired Dick, "if the train isn't coming in." "I seed some smoke awhile ago, over yonder," said the Porter, "and I thought maybe 'tmight be th' train, but like as not it isn't." "Then we have had this long run for nothing," complained the Dodo, breathlessly. "Calm yourself, my dear Sir," said the Doctor, patting him on the back; "excitement of any kind is very bad for you. We will wait here quietly till the train does come." "But isn't there a time-table?" asked Dick, "so that we can tell when to expect it." "No, Sir," said the Porter. "There was a time-table when I fust come here, nine years ago; but it got lost somehow, and we've never had another." By this time the platform was crowded with a number of other animals, who had apparently come to join the excursion. "We had better get our tents before they are all gone," whispered the Palaeotherium. "Ah, yes, of course," said the Eteraedarium. "Er--Porter, just bring us some tents, will you?" "Tents?" exclaimed the children. "Yes; if we are to stay here till the train starts we shall find it very awkward at night without tents, you know." "Oh, yes, tents by all means," said the Archaeopteryx. "I think five will be sufficient," he added. [Illustration: "The Dodo contented himself with fussing about and giving directions."] The Porter grumbled a little, and then brought forth from somewhere a number of poles and some canvas tents, and these the creatures began solemnly to erect on various parts of the platform. The Dodo excused himself from assisting, on the plea that he might soil his gloves, and contented himself with fussing about and giving directions in a loud voice. While the tents were being erected, the children amused themselves by exploring their surroundings. "Oh! there's a refreshment room!" exclaimed Marjorie, pointing to a hole in the wall, on the ledge of which were displayed a few doubtful-looking articles. "Shall I join you in a little light repast?" said an insinuating voice behind them, and turning around, they beheld the Dodo smoothing his glove and smirking ingratiatingly. Dick felt in his pocket, and was delighted to find that he had a two-shilling-piece tucked away in a corner. "Yes, we might as well have something," he said, generously. "I wonder who attends to this department? There doesn't seem to be anybody about." He knocked at the wall with his two-shilling-piece, and, suddenly, an elderly lady, with a very sharp face and a shrill voice, popped her head up and exclaimed, "Well! what do _you_ want?" Dick was startled by her sudden appearance, and stammered a little. "Er--er--a----" he began. "A glass bun and a bath of milk, please," prompted the Dodo.