plant called pappahmint; others had their faces streaked with djam.

"But who is this they are ducking in the pool?" asked Pi Bol.

"It is one who has foolishly and wantonly conceived that his
parents have sent him here to study," said the Moo Kow; "but that
is against the rules of the Stalkies, who accept study only as a
punishment."

"Then these be surely the 'Bander Log'--the monkey folk--of whom
the good Rhuddyidd has told us," said a Gee Gee--"the ones who have
no purpose--and forget everything."

"Fool!" said the Moo Kow. "Know ye not that the great Rhuddyidd
has said that the Stalkies become Major-Generals, V. C.'s, and C.
B's of the English? Truly, they are great. Look now; ye shall see
one of the greatest traits of the English Stalky."

One of the pygmy Stalkies was offering a bun to a larger one, who
hesitated, but took it coldly.

"Behold! it is one of the greatest traits of this mighty race not
to show any emotion. He WOULD take the bun--he HAS taken it! He
is pleased--but he may not show it. Observe him eat."

The taller Stalky, after eating the bun, quietly kicked the giver,
knocked off his hat, and turned away with a calm, immovable face.

"Good!" said the Moo Kow. "Ye would not dream that he was
absolutely choking with grateful emotion?"