that this grotesque creature invariably wore a white drill suit,
emphasized still more the suggestion of his likeness to an
Australian parrot.

Cockatoo had come from the Solomon Islands in his teens to the
colony of Queensland, to work on the plantations, and there the
Professor had picked him up as his body servant. When Braddock
returned to marry Mrs. Kendal, the boy had refused to leave him,
although it was represented to the young savage that he was
somewhat too barbaric for sober England. Finally, the Professor
had consented to bring him over seas, and had never regretted
doing so, for Cockatoo, finding his scientific master a true
friend, worshipped him as a visible god. Having been captured
when young by Pacific black-birders, he talked excellent English,
and from contact with the necessary restraints of civilization
was, on the whole, extremely well behaved. Occasionally, when
teased by the villagers and his fellow-servants, he would break
into childish rages, which bordered on the dangerous. But a word
from Braddock always quieted him, and when penitent he would
crawl like a whipped dog to the feet of his divinity. For the
most part he lived entirely in the museum, looking after the
collection and guarding it from harm. Lucy--who had a horror of
the creature's uncanny looks--objected to Cockatoo waiting at
the table, and it was only on rare occasions that he was
permitted to assist the harassed parlormaid. On this night the
Kanaka acted excellently as a butler, and crept softly round the
table, attending to the needs of the diners. He was an admirable
servant, deft and handy, but his blue-lined face and squat figure
together with the obtrusively golden halo, rather worried Mrs.
Jasher. And, indeed, in spite of custom, Lucy also felt