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
the tea and bread-and-butter, that any one found time to regret the
golden treasure which had been left scattered on the floor of the
underground passage, and which, indeed, no one had thought of till
now, since the moment when Cyril burnt his fingers at the flame of
the last match.
'What owls and goats we were!' said Robert. 'Look how we've always
wanted treasure--and now--'
'Never mind,' said Anthea, trying as usual to make the best of it.
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