told him.

"Where's China, Lucy?"

"Oh, don't bother, Bim."

"No, but _where_ is it?"

"What a nuisance you are! It's near Africa."

"Where Uncle Alfred is?"

"Yes, just there."

"But _is_ Uncle Alfred in--China?"

"No, silly, of course not."

"Well, then----"

"I didn't say China was in Africa. I said it was near."

"Oh! I see. Uncle Alfred could just go in the train?"

"Yes, of course."

"Oh! I see. P'r'aps he will."

But, for the most part, Bim, realising that Lucy "didn't want to be
bothered," pursued his life alone. Through all the turmoil and disorder