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"Isn't there any way out of Rith Metic but this?" wailed Pompa, looking at the Cottabus pleadingly. He was too tired to mind being questioned.

The curious beast was delighted to have this new opportunity to talk to the travelers.

"Will you answer a few questions if I tell you?" asked the Cottabus, raising itself with great difficulty and looking over the palings.

"Yes—yes—anything," promised Pompa.

"Do you care for strawberry tarts?" asked the Cottabus, twitching its nose very rapidly.

"Of course," said the Prince. "Oh! Do hurry. Count It Up will be back in a moment!" He had run ahead to arrange a new problem and the rest of the Figure Heads paid no attention to the queer creature clinging to the palings.

"Are you going to invite the Scarecrow to your wedding?" gulped the Cottabus.

"I don’t know any Scarecrow," said Pompa, "so how could I?"

"Are you fond of that old elephant?" The Cottabus waved at Kabumpo, who stamped first one foot then another and fairly snorted with rage.

"All right," sighed the Curious Cottabus, "that makes my fifty questions."