take ourselves off, especially
as we came without invitation."

But no one would permit him to say another word about leaving. Mr.
Neeven curtly requested the _Norna's_ captain to accompany him to
Trullyabister "on business." Dr. Holtum, Harry Mitchell, and Fred
followed Mr. Adiesen to his study, for the purpose of inspecting some
of its treasures. Aunt Osla insisted upon Signy's retirement to a
sofa--for the child still looked wan and nervous. Yaspard carried off
Tom and Bill to Noostigard, where Gloy had gone immediately after
breakfast to tell the Harrisons all the astonishing news. Thus the
lawn at Moolapund was cleared of the large human party which had
assembled there--the first for many years; and their places were taken
by the motley crowd of birds and beasts who daily assembled for the
matutinal meal the scientist never failed to give them from his own
hands.

Great was the astonishment created amongst them by his non-appearance
on this occasion. Loki stretched out his long neck with the curious
jerk which makes a cormorant look so idiotic as well as voracious,
while one or two scories[1] gave utterance to a good deal of strong
language. Pigeons, chickens, shelders,[2] sparrows, and starlings
skirmished for the crumbs, &c., which Signy had put out, and wondered
what was to happen next; a pony shoved his frowsy head against the
window, and a patient large-eyed ox stood near the door with the
obvious intention of remaining there till the master put in an
appearance. All were envious of the favourite cat who was seated
serenely inside the window, blinking complacently at the assemblage
through a safe shield of glass, and at last her airs of superiority and
content became too much for Thor.

After hopping sedately about, contriving to annex the tit-bits from
Signy's contribution, and making inquiries into the position of
affairs, Sir Raven suddenly alighted on the window-sill in front of
Mistress Puss, and screamed harshly in her very face, "Shoo! shoo!
Uncle, uncle, uncle!"

The feline person waited for no second remark, but setting up her back
at Thor, she cursed him in cat language and hastily decamped; whereat
the astute Thor, turning to the company observant of all that was
taking place, said "Just so!"

By that time the patience of a good many of the creatures was
exhausted, and they took to falling out with one another, the result of
which was a concert so peculiar that it drew the attention o