anything means.'

'But we've got a magic carpet AND a Phoenix,' said Robert.

'You'll get something else if father comes in and catches you,'
said Cyril. 'Shut up, I tell you.'

Robert shut up. But he knew as well as you do that the adventures
of that carpet and that Phoenix were only just beginning.

Father and mother had not the least idea of what had happened in
their absence. This is often the case, even when there are no
magic carpets or Phoenixes in the house.

The next morning--but I am sure you would rather wait till the next
chapter before you hear about THAT.



CHAPTER 2
THE TOPLESS TOWER


The children had seen the Phoenix-egg hatched in the flames in
their own nursery grate, and had heard from it how the carpet on
their own nursery floor was really the wishing carpet, which would
take them anywhere they chose. The carpet had transported them to
bed just at the right moment, and the Phoenix had gone to roost on
the cornice supporting the window-curtains of the boys' room.