Page:The Zankiwank & the Bletherwitch (IA zankiwankblether00fitziala).pdf/46



“A telegram, did you say? For me, of course, what an age you have been. How is my blushing bride? Let me see—

‘From the Bletherwitch, Nonsuch Street, To the Zankiwank, Nodland.
 * Forgot my new shoes, and the housemaid’s killed the parrot. Put the kettle on.’ ”

Then the children heard some sobbing sound soughing through the silence and they knew that they were saved. Also that the Zankiwank was weeping. So with a strong effort Maude managed to call out consolingly, “Zankiwanky, dear! don’t cry, come and let me comfort you.”

But the Zankiwank refused to be comforted. However, he came forward muttering an incanta-