on of great consequence. Do you think," he
continued, addressing the Skipper, "that you could clean up my gloves a
little with some bread crumbs, they have become slightly soiled; and
would you kindly rearrange my necktie?"

These necessary preparations completed, the Dodo staggered up on deck
just as the _Argosy_ reached the shore.

The Archaeopteryx was waiting for them on the beach, and recognized the
Dodo immediately.

"Charmed to meet you again," he said, hurrying forward to meet him, and
raising his hat, with a polite bow. "Pray, introduce me to your
friends."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE LITTLE PANJANDRUM'S BALLOON.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance," said the Archaeopteryx, when the
necessary introductions had been made. "I've often wanted to meet some
human beings; come and have luncheon with me. I've a couple of old
friends staying here who will be delighted to see you." So saying, he
led the way to where two most extraordinary-looking creatures sat
waiting at a table, which was set for seven people.

"Both antediluvians," whispered their host, "the Palaeotherium and the
Eteraedarium. Capital chaps, but crotchety."

Fidge was a little alarmed at first, for they were really very ugly.
They seemed quite amiable, however; and the Palaeotherium--his mouth full
of banana--motioned them to seats at the table, and, turning to the
Dodo, said, "Haven't I seen you before?"

The Dodo smirked, and, smoothing his gloves, said, in a self-conscious
voice, "Very possibly we _may_ have met before. I don't remember you,
but mine is a face which one is not likely to forget. Where did we meet,
do you think?"

"I'm trying to remember," said the Palaeotherium, "it must have been
several hundreds of years ago now, and my memory is getting so bad----"

"I once stayed with the Ichthyosaurus," said the Dodo. "It may have been
there."

"Ah, that must have been it," said the Palaeotherium. "I met a curious
lot of people there--very mixed lot of associates _he_ had, to be sure."

"Ahem," said the Dodo, indignantly. "I hope you don't mean that I----"

"My dear Sir," replied the other, "I'm quite sure you are highly
respectable; your gloves alone are a guarantee for that."

"Thanks," said the Dodo, looking quite happy again.

"Do you know any riddles?" asked the Eteraedarium, suddenly, addressing
Dick.

"Let's see," said he, glad that the conversation had taken a turn which
they could all understand. "I think I do k