'OH,' whispered Cyril, 'now we shall catch it for not being in
bed!'

'Wish yourself there,' said the Phoenix, in a hurried whisper, 'and
then wish the carpet back in its place.'

No sooner said than done. It made one a little giddy, certainly,
and a little breathless; but when things seemed right way up again,
there the children were, in bed, and the lights were out.

They heard the soft voice of the Phoenix through the darkness.

'I shall sleep on the cornice above your curtains,' it said.
'Please don't mention me to your kinsfolk.'

'Not much good,' said Robert, 'they'd never believe us. I say,' he
called through the half-open door to the girls; 'talk about
adventures and things happening. We ought to be able to get some
fun out of a magic carpet AND a Phoenix.'

'Rather,' said the girls, in bed.

'Children,' said father, on the stairs, 'go to sleep at once. What
do you mean by talking at this time of night?'

No answer was expected to this question, but under the bedclothes
Cyril murmured one.

'Mean?' he said. 'Don't know what we mean. I don't know what