156 Make-Beleve

‘Some great, strong, bare-headed girls
came first,.to each of whom he put the
question, ‘ Satisfied, my dear?’’

“«VYuss!? said they. |

“Small boys were all ‘Tommy’ to him,
and were questioned.

“Then a stout woman in a big white
apron and faded bonnet struggled up the
stairs, and drew in a great breath of the
air, laden with the odour of fried fish and
boiling oil from a shop next door. ‘ Satis-
fied, mother?’ said the showman. ‘ Yuss,
my dear, and more than satisfied.’

“ «Thank you, mother.’

“T paid my penny and entered, and
somehow the bird (which was very dejected
at first) perceived that I could understand
his language, and told me what the Visitor
has told you. Now I had lately sold a
drawing to a publisher and I was rich. |
bought the bird and took it home, waiting
until night had come and the streets were
empty. I keep it in the garden there, and
it has told me many things at different