'I DO wish we hadn't come,' said Jane.

And every one else said 'Shut up,' except Anthea, who suddenly
awoke the Phoenix and said--

'Look here, I believe YOU can help us. Oh, I do wish you would!'

'I will help you as far as lies in my power,' said the Phoenix, at
once. 'What is it you want now?'

'Why, we want to get home,' said every one.

'Oh,' said the Phoenix. 'Ah, hum! Yes. Home, you said?
Meaning?'

'Where we live--where we slept last night--where the altar is that
your egg was hatched on.'

'Oh, there!' said the Phoenix. 'Well, I'll do my best.' It
fluttered on to the carpet and walked up and down for a few minutes
in deep thought. Then it drew itself up proudly.

'I CAN help you,' it said. 'I am almost sure I can help you.
Unless I am grossly deceived I can help you. You won't mind my
leaving you for an hour or two?' and without waiting for a reply it
soared up through the dimness of the tower into the brightness
above.

'Now,' said Cyril, firmly, 'it said an hour or two. But I've read
about captives and people shut up in dungeons and catacombs and