in the same way at Huggermugger Hall, till all had satisfied their
curiosity. The giant and his wife being alone in the island, they felt
that it was pleasant to have their solitude broken by the arrival of
the little men. There were several dwarfs living here and there in the
island, who worked for the giants, of whom Kobboltozo was one; but
there were no other giants. The Huggermuggers were the last of their
race. Their history, however, was a secret they kept to themselves.
Whether they or their ancestors came from Brobdignag, or whether they
were descended from Gog and Magog, or Goliath of Gath, they never
would declare.

Mr. Scrawler, the author, who accompanied the ship, was very curious
to know something of their history and origin. He ascertained that
they learned English of a party of adventurers who once landed on
their shore, many years before, and that the Huggermugger race had
long inhabited the island. But he could learn nothing of their origin.
They looked very serious whenever this subject was mentioned. There
was evidently a mystery about them, which they had particular reasons
never to unfold. On all other subjects they were free and
communicative. On this, they kept the strictest and most guarded
silence.




CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

KOBBLETOZO ASTONISHES MR. SCRAWLER.