The words were no sooner out of my beak than
egg and carpet disappeared. The royal lovers assisted to arrange
my pile, and soothed my last moments. I burnt myself up and knew
no more till I awoke on yonder altar.'
It pointed its claw at the grate.
'But the carpet,' said Robert, 'the magic carpet that takes you
anywhere you wish. What became of that?'
'Oh, THAT?' said the Phoenix, carelessly--'I should say that that
is the carpet. I remember the pattern perfectly.'
It pointed as it spoke to the floor, where lay the carpet which
mother had bought in the Kentish Town Road for twenty-two shillings
and ninepence.
At that instant father's latch-key was heard in the door.
'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.
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