He now quickly drew the children out of the fog inside the immense charmed circle of Trafalgar Square, where the atmosphere was quite clear, but as yet quite dark. The Lion lifted up his head and gave a most piercing and peculiar whistle; once, twice, three times and yet a fourth he repeated this signal. The signal was answered in a curious manner. The whole space commenced to vibrate with a strange humming sound which resembled violins, violoncellos, flageolets and flutes being played upon very faintly. The sounds were so weirdly fascinating that any one might have imagined it proceeded from a little group of Eastern musicians playing upon reeds in order to charm some snake to uncoil and become sociable after a lengthy seclusion in its wicker-work basket. "What is that music?" asked Ridgwell. "The eight Dolphins of the fountains are humming happily. They are waiting to carry out my commands," answered the Lion. Once again the Lion whistled four times. Ridgwell and Christine, who were listening intently, could hear the scurrying of flying feet racing along. The sound drew nearer and nearer, until several dark forms were jostling each other immediately in front of where they stood, and they could feel the warm breath of some living things upon their hands. Suddenly in the darkness there was a chorus of hoarse laughter. Ridgwell and Christine started slightly. "Are they spirits?" inquired Ridgwell, with a note of anxiety in his voice. "No," vouchsafed the Lion, "only the four merry laughing little Lions from outside Westminster Abbey. They are the most ridiculous creatures in all London. "Stop laughing," commanded the Lion. "Hear me, Gamble, Grin, Grub, and Carry-on-Merry, and hearken attentively. "Carry-on-Merry, have you all stopped laughing?" demanded the Lion. "Yes, mighty Lal, we are simply grinning at present, which is as near to being serious as we can ever become. We are only waiting for your commands." The Lion lifted up his mighty head and called, "Silence, Dolphins." Immediately the curious sounds of humming ceased. "The party I give is to be the most beautiful in the world, displaying wonders such as no Emperor can procure. Each of the Four Seasons shall appear before us, perfect in every way, to be followed by the Pavilion of Gold." "It shall be done, O Lal." "My guests will be all the stray children of London. Call them from every street and court, from out every by-way, alley, and lane." "They are all here waiting, O Lal." "Good. Also gather together all the lost and stray dogs of London, every single one who is wandering about to-night." "They have all been summoned, O Lal." "The Royalty present will include Queen Boadicea, King Richard I., King Charles I., and St. George." "Each has received a royal invitation, O Lal, and the Royal personages will all be pleased to attend." "Each boy and girl is to be dressed in the most costly costume, according to their taste."