"That's my hospitable bedroom," he said, "that I've endowed myself with. When I'm down in the mumps from being crouped up here so long, I go there and wrap myself up in thoughts all nice and smug. It is fitted with the epileptic light, rheumatic bells, and all the latest infections. "Now, what were we talking about before? Ah yes! My inventions. None of your modern up-to-date rubbish, only inventions of the future for me. None of your wireless telephony and wireless telegraphy for me. Listen to this." He called out-- "Number A. 1. Sea Power! Have you been successful in that last little financial venture, Sire?" There were rushing sounds, as of waves, at the far end of the cave, and a muffled voice replied-- "No, Cabalistic One, I have lost again. Just my luck! Dash--sh--sh--" which resolved itself into the swish-swish of rolling surf. Then all was quiet again. "The reply of a friend of mine residing far away at a place called 'The Billows,'" explained the Wizard in an offhand way. "I help him in his little transactions, which are sometimes rather--in fact very--!" and raising his arm he smothered a laugh in his yellow satin sleeve which was not pleasant to hear. "I always like to laugh up there," he explained, as the children looked surprised. Dulcie's hand stole into her brother's and she whispered him to "Come away, come away, do, quick, and let's go home." "But you haven't seen any of my marvellous jewellery yet," replied their host, as though she had spoken aloud. "Don't be timid"--he was looking at them through those horrid spectacles again, which laid bare all their thoughts. "You know I am only answering that knock of yours. Had you not required an answer, there would have been no information forthcoming. I should just like to show you these bracelets I have here." He pushed his glasses across his baldness and took two jewelled golden circlets out of a satchel which hung from the cord of his gown. "Other children have taken great interest in them," said the Wizard slowly--"in fact have worn all the gems out. But I've often had them done up again; and you are both welcome to them--very welcome to them, if you like. You see, _they_ are able to inform their wearers how to play at 'Birds, Beasts, and Fishes' _properly_." "We know already," replied the boy and girl together, now restlessly impatient to be gone. [Illustration: _He took two jewelled circlets out of a satchel_] "I don't mean that tiresome educational game you were playing when you were waiting in because of those few drops of rain. I mean the _real_ thing--to be actually the real animals themselves in the realms of the Birds, Beasts, and Fishes. Only in that way can children realise how much nicer it is to be one of them, and to live a life free from the 'don'ts' and vexatious care of their elders. Ah! _Now_ you're interested!" The Twins were staring at him open-mouthed.