The sentinel accepted the bribe, and,
devouring it, returned with the bribers on tiptoe to the hut, where they
gazed in silent wonder to their hearts' content.

"Well, that beats everything," said Leo, laying down his book and
pencil, "but I never did hear a gale that panted and snorted as this one
does. I'll go out and have a look at it."

He rose and crawled on hands and knees through the tunnel. The spies
rolled off the hut with considerable noise and fled, while the sentinel
resuming his spear and position, tried to look innocent.

While he was explaining to Anders why he was there, Grabantak himself
walked up, accompanied by his lieutenant. They were hospitably
entertained, and as Oblooria had by that time prepared a savoury mess,
such as she knew the white men loved, the chief and Teyma condescended
to sup with their captive-guests.

Leo had not with him the great cooking machine with which his uncle had
effected so much in Poloeland, but he had a tin kettle and a couple of
pannikins, with some coffee, sugar, and biscuit, which did good service
in the way of conciliating, if not surprising, the chief of Flatland.

Both he and his lieutenant, moreover, were deeply interested in Anders's
proceedings with the pipe.

At first they supposed he was conducting some religious ceremony, and
looked on with appropriate solemnity, but, on being informed of the
mistake, Grabantak smiled graciously and requested a "whiff." He
received one, and immediately made such a hideous face that Anders could
not restrain a short laugh, whereupon the chief hit him over the head
with his empty pannikin, but, after frowning fiercely, joined in the
laugh.

Leo then began to question the chief about the land over which he ruled,
and was told that it was a group of islands of various sizes, like the
group which belonged to Amalatok, but with more islands in it; that most
of these islands were flat, and covered with lakes, large and small, in
which were to be found many animals, and birds as numerous almost as the
stars.

"Ask him from what direction these birds come," said Leo, pulling out
his pocket-compass and expecting that Grabantak would point to the
south; but the chief pointed to the north, then to the south, then to
the east, and then to the west!

"What does he mean? I don't understand him," said Leo.

"The birds come from _everywhere_--from all round. They come here to
breed," said the chief, spreading his hands ro