big chatty before he comes back."

[Illustration]

So he climbed on to the edge of the chatty, and Little
Black Mingo pushed the chatty out into the water, and then she clambered
into it and paddled with her two hands as hard as she could, and the big
chatty just sailed beautifully.

So they got across safely, and Little Black Mingo filled the chatty
half full of water and took it on her head, and they went up the bank
together.

[Illustration]

But when the Mugger came back, and found only empty egg-shells he was
fearfully angry. He roared and he raged, and he howled and he yelled,
till the whole island shook, and his tears ran down his cheeks and
pattered on the sand like rain.

[Illustration]

So he started to chase Little Black Mingo and the Mongoose, and he swam
across the river as fast as ever he could, and when he was half way
across he saw them landing, and as he landed they hurried over the
first ridge.

[Illustration]

So he raced after them, but they ran, and just before he caught them