and plump, but so out of keeping with every other physical
attribute it possessed as to appear ridiculous.

After eyeing Bradley for a moment the thing approached him.
"Where from?" it asked.

"England," replied Bradley, as briefly.

"Where is England and what?" pursued the questioner.

"It is a country far from here," answered the Englishman.

"Are your people cor-sva-jo or cos-ata-lu?"

"I do not understand you," said Bradley; "and now suppose you
answer a few questions. Who are you? What country is this?
Why did you bring me here?"

Again the sepulchral grimace. "We are Wieroos--Luata is our father.
Caspak is ours. This, our country, is called Oo-oh. We brought
you here for (literally) Him Who Speaks for Luata to gaze upon
and question. He would know from whence you came and why; but
principally if you be cos-ata-lu."

"And if I am not cos--whatever you call the bloomin' beast--
what of it?"

The Wieroo raised his wings in a very human shrug and waved his
bony claws toward the human skulls supporting the ceiling.
His gesture was eloquent; but he embellished it by remarking,