p it."

The second door on the left was soon found, and the Dodo knocked with
his beak.

A small youth appeared, who at first seemed rather alarmed, but
presently exploded into a half-stifled laugh. "My hat!" he exclaimed.
"Here's a go! Why, blessed if it ain't a bird with gloves on--and a
tie--oh! what a lark!"

"No," said the Dodo, with dignity, "not a lark--your education must have
been sadly neglected, my good boy--I'm a Dodo, or _the_ Dodo, in fact."

"Well, I never!" said the boy, "if it isn't talking!"

"Of course. Why not?" demanded the Dodo.

"Oh! oh! this is too good! What may your business be, Mr.--er--Dodo?"

"I've come about the situation," said the bird, smoothing his gloves
consequentially.

The boy exploded into a fit of laughter. "Oh, come in!" he cried. "This
is better than a circus--come in--I'll tell the Governor you're here."
And the Dodo was ushered into a room where two or three gentlemen were
sitting at high desks.

"Who is it, Perkins?" said one of the gentlemen.

"Some one about the situation, Sir," said Perkins, stuffing his
handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself laughing aloud.

The gentlemen all turned around and stared at the Dodo.

"Why, it's a bird!" cried one.

"Of course it is; what else did you expect I was?" said the Dodo. "Are
you A. B. C.?"

"No--no," stammered the man. "I'm the Head Clerk, though, and--I----"

"I've no time to waste with Head Clerks," said the Dodo. "Just go and
tell A. B. C. I'm here, will you?"

"But er----"

At this moment an inner door opened, and another gentleman stepped into
the room.

"Whatever is all this noise----" he began, when he caught sight of the
Dodo.

[Illustration: "Do--o--o not--a--for--r--r--get m--e--e--e"]

"Are you A. B. C.?" said the bird, pouncing upon him at once.

"Well--really," said the gentleman, "I----"

"Don't beat about the bush. Are you A. B. C., or are you not?" demanded
the Dodo.

"Yes, I am, but----"

"Very well, then, I've come to take the situation, and I'll just draw my
first week's salary at once, if you please."

"But," said the gentleman, with an amused smile, "I must see some of
your work first. Perkins, bring the typewriter!"

The boy brought the instrument, and placed it on a small table.

"Now, then," said the gentleman, motioning the Dodo towards it.

"Oh! it's so long since I played," said the Dodo, smirking bashfully, "I
think I have almost forgotten my notes; however, I