The Prophet and the two kids set off across this earth, which was named by the inhabitants “the Common.” In the distance rose a fringe of detached brick and stone villas towards which Capricornus now pointed a forefinger that trembled with pride. “That’s where we live,” he said, in a voice that was grown squeaky from conceit. “Dulce domus,” piped his sister, clutching the skirt of the Prophet’s coat, and, thus supported, performing several very elaborate dancing steps upon the clayey soil over which he was feebly staggering. “Dulce dulce, dulce domus. Look at that rat, Corney!” A large, raking rodent, indeed, at that instant emerged from the wreckage of what had once been a copper cauldron near by, and walked slowly away towards a slope of dust garnished with broken bottles and abandoned cabbage stalks. The Prophet shuddered and longed to flee, but the two kids, as if divining his thought, now clasped his hands and led him firmly forward to a yellow villa, fringed with white Bath stone and garnished plentifully with griffins. From its flat front shot ostentatiously forth a porch adorned with Roman columns which commanded a near view of the Mouse, and before the porch was a small garden in which several healthy-looking nettles had made their home. As the Prophet and the two kids approached this delightful abode, a white face appeared, gluing itself to the pane of an upper window. “There’s pater familias!” piped Capricornus. “Don’t he look ill?” As they mounted the flight of imitation marble steps the face disappeared abruptly. “He’s coming to let us in,” said Capricornus. “You’re sure you’ve brought the crab and all the rashes?” “Quite sure.” “Because, if you haven’t, I don’t know whatever mater familias’ll--” At this moment the portal of the lodge was furtively opened about half an inch, and a very small segment of ashen-coloured human face, containing a large and apprehensive eye, was shown in the aperture. “Are you alone?” said the hollow voice of Mr. Sagittarius. “Quite, quite alone,” said the Prophet, reassuringly. “It’s all right, pater familias!” cried Capricornus. “He’s brought all the rashes and the first tooth and everything. I made him.” “I don’t think he wanted to,” added the little Corona, suddenly developing malice. “I’ve taken this long journey, Mr. Sagittarius,” said the Prophet, with a remnant of self-respect, “at your special request. Am I to be permitted to come in?” “If you’re sure you’re quite alone,” returned the sage, showing a slightly enlarged segment of face. “I am quite sure--positive!” At this the door was opened just sufficiently to admit the passage of one thin person at a time, and, in single file, the Prophet, Corona and Capricornus passed into the lodge. CHAPTER XV THE PROPHET CREATES A DIVERSION AT HIS OWN EXPENSE