in its life. On the mantelpiece stood the Phoenix, waiting with an
air of modest yet sterling worth for the thanks of the children.

'But how DID you do it?' they asked, when every one had thanked the
Phoenix again and again.

'Oh, I just went and got a wish from your friend the Psammead.'

'But how DID you know where to find it?'

'I found that out from the carpet; these wishing creatures always
know all about each other--they're so clannish; like the Scots, you
know--all related.'

'But, the carpet can't talk, can it?'

'No.'

'Then how--'

'How did I get the Psammead's address? I tell you I got it from
the carpet.'

'DID it speak then?'

'No,' said the Phoenix, thoughtfully, 'it didn't speak, but I
gathered my information from something in its manner. I was always
a singularly observant bird.'

it was not till after the cold mutton and the jam tart, as well as